An effective handover in a care setting is key critical to good quality care, regardless of setting. The Social Care Workforce Research Unit has studied handovers in 5 settings delivering care to the elderly. So that, they can evaluate the importance of the content, purpose and effectiveness of a handover. In so much as, care home staff going off duty and those coming on duty.
However, the research concluded that handovers varied onsiderably between different establishments. Not surprisingly, most participants believed that an effective handover encouraged good communication between staff and residents. Also, it encouraged the continuity of care and safety for residents. Interestingly, not all employees were paid to attend handover meetings. This strikes us as odd. An effective handover is about ensuring continuity of care and safety of residents. Therefore, attendance at the handover should not be optional. A decision not to pay staff to attend would seem odd. If an employee didn’t attend a handover, wouldn’t an employer seek to take issue with this failure? If it is not working time, how can an employer complain about a lack of attendance?
9 Features of Effective Handover Processes
- Being able to listen/hear – not too many distractions or interruptions
- Understandable and clear communication
- Opportunity to ask questions; feedback from everyone listened to
- Punctuality of staff
- Attention to confidentiality and respecting residents’ dignity
- Production of transparent and readily available written records (possibly enabling family to review and monitor changes)
- Viewed as important by management
- Knowing what is expected
- Being valued activities
Therefore, it falls to managers and owners to give effective handover its place in their organisation. Instead, employers should to lead by example. The full report gives practical advice that will be of interest to managers in a care setting. However, it may also be of interest to managers in other sectors where the need for effective handover between shifts is important.
This is a link to the research paper
So, if you need more information on effective handovers, please contact Metis HR Ltd by email
Metis HR is a professional HR Consultancy based in the North West of England supporting clients across the country. We specialise in providing outsourced HR services to small and medium-sized businesses. Call us now on 01706 565332 to discuss how we may help you.
