A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE TO REDUCE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF TRANSITIONS OF ANESTHESIA CARE ON POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Abstract

Abstract

Handovers in healthcare are becoming more frequent in university hospitals due to duty-hour restrictions. As a result, critical information can be lost during these handovers, leading to delays, inefficiencies, and potential harm to patients. The Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation and the World Health Organization consider standardized communication during patient care handover a top priority for patient safety. Patients often experience various transitional phases during surgery, such as Analgesia or Disorientation, Excitement or Delirium, Surgical Anesthesia, and Overdose, which are crucial vulnerabilities in the healthcare system and can result in poor patient outcomes. These poor transitions are linked to missed care, adverse events, and increased morbidity and mortality. The involvement of patients in their own care plans is recommended by the WHO to enhance transitions and improve safety. Handover events occur frequently, with reported frequencies ranging from less than 2% to nearly 40%. Despite efforts to standardize handover processes, concerns about the loss of critical information persist. Standardized protocols like SBAR and I-PASS have been developed to improve communication during handovers, demonstrating potential to reduce medical errors and adverse events. However, the effectiveness of these protocols remains modest, as many studies lack systematic approaches or poor designs. In conclusion, while standardized handover protocols have shown promise in improving communication and process metrics, further investigation is needed to understand their impact on patient outcomes. Continuous efforts to refine these protocols and ensure their consistent application are crucial to improving patient safety during transitions in anesthesia care.