1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J A n U A R Y 2 0 1 8
W
hen it comes to patient
handoffs, our nurses use
one detailed paper form
that follows patients every step of
the way, from pre-op through to the
PACU. By assigning one form to
each patient throughout care, we
streamline communication at all
stages, and each area of operation
is given its own section on the form
to complete. Plus, our form
includes body diagrams, so rather
than writing anatomical notes long-
hand, our nurses are able to quickly
sketch, circle or shade in areas that
need attention, from incision sites to
skin conditions to device locations.
The form's design really saves us time
and confusion every step of the way.
It also lets nurses include helpful info
that doesn't have to go into the patient
record, like where family and friends
are waiting and what personal items
came into the OR with the patient.
Meredith Kopp, RN, BSN, CNOR
Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
Kansas City, Mo.
mkopp@cmh.edu
Download your copy of
this handoff form at
outpatientsurgery.net
/forms.
Check Out This Detailed Handoff Form
• THOROUGH AND EFFICIENT
Detailed sections and body diagrams ensure
no relevant info gets lost at any handoff.
Children's
Mercy
Hospitals
and
Clinics,
Kansas
City,
Mo.
Ideas Work
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