Handoffs, Care Transitions, and Readmissions - 01/08/25

Doi : 10.1016/j.mcna.2025.02.016

Talya Bordin-Wosk, MD ^a,^⁎ , Jenna Klubnick, MD, MS ^a, Jennifer K. O’Toole, MD, MEd ^b,^c, Ian Jenkins, MD ^a, Jessica Donato, MD ^d,^e
^a Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
^b Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
^c Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
^d Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University
^e Department of Hospital Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

^∗Corresponding author. Division of Hospital Medicine, 200 West Arbor Drive, MC 8485, San Diego, CA 92103.Division of Hospital Medicine200 West Arbor DriveMC 8485San DiegoCA92103

Résumé

This article explores the critical role of standardized communication structures and handoff tools in enhancing the safety-of-care transitions. We highlight the complexity and vulnerability of these transitions, particularly between different care environments and providers, which can lead to miscommunication and medical errors. Various types of handoffs are discussed, along with their respective benefits and challenges. We underscore the importance of effective discharge planning and communication to reduce readmissions and ensure patient safety. Best practices for discharge safety, such as patient education, medication reconciliation, and purposeful follow-up, are detailed to improve the quality-of-care transitions.

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Keywords : Transitions of care, Handoffs, Readmissions, Discharge planning