Handoff Communication & Continuity of Care
Overview
Handoff communication is the real-time transfer of patient-specific information AND clinical accountability from one provider to another at a care transition. The Joint Commission requires a standardized, interactive process (standard PC.02.02.01; 2026 National Performance Goal NPG.01.04.01). It must be a two-way exchange — the receiving nurse asks clarifying questions and reads back critical items (pending labs, titrating drips, time-sensitive meds). If the receiver cannot ask questions, it is a report, not a handoff. Written tools (printed worksheets, EHR summaries) support but never replace the verbal exchange. Accountability stays with the outgoing nurse until the receiving nurse explicitly accepts the handoff.
Indications
Technique
Planned inter-facility / unit transfer sequence — communicate and document fully BEFORE the patient is physically moved.
Transfer handoff sequence (communicate first, move last)
- Review statusMeds, pending orders
- Prepare documentationSummary + med reconciliation
- Verbal handoffStandardized + read-back
- Prep patient/familySet expectations
- Safe transportMonitor en route
Interpretation
A complete handoff transfers clinical REASONING, not just data — the sender's interpretation of why findings matter and what to anticipate. SBAR is a general communication framework (also used to call a provider); a handoff is the specific structured transfer of care and accountability. Critical content: current condition, recent changes, pending tasks/results, and provider-notification parameters.
Handoff Ipass
I-PASS deepens the handoff for complex or unstable patients.
Patient Teaching
Clinical Pearl
A standardized, interactive bedside handoff with read-back closes the gap where information — and accountability — gets dropped. If you can't ask questions, it's a report, not a handoff.