GUIDE
Last Updated: 21 September 2023
This article is part of our Training Requirement Series where we provide comprehensive guides to meet the actual training requirements that are often needed/requested of learning and development departments within Australia's healthcare organisations. This series includes both general requirements, such as clinical handover, but also focuses on the specific requirements stemming from the NDIS, Aged Care and NSQHS Quality Standards.
A 'handover' is a critical juncture in healthcare where the continuity of care and treatment of a patient shifts from one team or healthcare professional to another. The objective is to provide seamless care by efficiently transferring all necessary information and responsibilities (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2020).
The aim of the clinical handover training requirement is to equip healthcare professionals with the skills needed to conduct handovers that mitigate risks and improve patient outcomes (Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, 2022). Without a handover process, healthcare workers are left in the dark in terms of the patient or clients current and prior history that should inform how they provide care.
Action 6.04: Organisational processes to support effective communication
Action 6.07 and Action 6.08: Clinical Handover
National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards
Action 3.3.2: Transition of care and communication:
Strengthened Quality Standards framework analysis - Aged Care Quality Standards
Failure to comply with the requirements could lead to an organisation being penalised or reprimanded.
Effective clinical handover requires mastery of diverse skills. Below containts the skills for clinical handover which informs the competency assessment criteria of staff or training plan development to fill knowledge gaps:
| Skill | Key Elements |
|---|---|
| Communication |
Essential for conveying complex clinical information succinctly and clearly. |
| Active Listening |
Necessary for assimilating all the clinical information without omissions. |
| Critical Thinking |
Imperative for assessing, prioritising, and utilising the information passed on effectively. |
| Teamwork |
Vital for ensuring smooth transitions and collaborative patient care. |
| Technical Proficiency |
Competency in using the systems and technology used for documenting handovers. |
Understanding how to evaluate staff competency in clinical handover is vital for quality assurance.
Staff competency on clinical handover can be assessed in the following methods:
Once staff competency levels are identified, targeted training interventions can be formulated:
Using the below image, we can craft a unique training plan to fill healthcare staff skill gaps.
Based on the results - "active listening" and "teamwork" are the skills that require actioning.
| Quarter | Topics | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Active Listening | |
| Q2 | Teamwork |
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The following is an example survey that learning and development coordinators may use to asses staff competency on clinical handover.
How comfortable are you in conducting a clinical handover?
Rate your ability to prioritise information during a handover. (on a scale of 1-5)
How effective is your communication during a handover? (Scale of 1-10)
Do you feel adequately trained for conducting clinical handovers?
On a scale of 1-5, how effective do you consider your last clinical handover?
Effective clinical handover is not just a procedural necessity but a cornerstone for patient safety and quality care. By focusing on multifaceted training and competency assessment, healthcare organisations can elevate the quality of their clinical handovers, ensuring better patient outcomes and staff satisfaction.
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