Which acronym helps facilitate the hand-off process?

The acronym that helps facilitate the hand-off process is IPASSTHEBATON. This framework is specifically designed to ensure a smooth and effective transfer of information and responsibility between healthcare providers. Each component of the acronym corresponds to key steps that enhance communication during hand-offs, ultimately aimed at improving patient safety and decreasing the chances of errors.

IPASSTHEBATON stands for:

• I: Introduction - Introduce yourself and your role.

• P: Patient - Provide patient information including identifiers.

• A: Assessment - Share the current assessment and clinical status.

• S: Situation - Present the situation that necessitates the hand-off.

• S: Safety concerns - Discuss any safety issues that need to be addressed.

• T: Tasks - Clearly outline tasks that need to be completed.

• H: Home - Specify where the patient is currently receiving care.

• E: Exit - Allow for questions and provide an opportunity for the incoming provider to summarize information.

• B: Background - Share relevant background information related to the patient's case.

• A: Action - Describe actions that need to be taken.

• T: Timing - Identify when tasks should be