In my previous post, I stressed using a structured process to hand off information between the overnight trauma team and the incoming day providers. There is one more very important handoff that occurs in most centers as well: the afternoon handoff. This involves the transition between the day team, who received the morning report, and the trauma professionals who relieve them in the late afternoon or early evening.

This handoff is not nearly as involved as the morning one. Hospitals are structured to be very busy during the morning and afternoon shifts, and activity then tapers off in the evening and at night. However, a smooth transition of personnel is essential to ensure seamless patient care.

Following is the list of items I think are essential for that afternoon handoff:

1. Introductions. This may not be necessary because the afternoon team is typically smaller than the morning report team, and the players typically know each other well.
2. Urgent issues. This is a list of critical events that need to be addressed soon or immediately. These are typically much less common in the afternoon, but may still occur.
3. Pending transfers in. The day team should list any scheduled transfers in from outside hospitals that have not yet arrived.
4. Existing patient lists.  The service lists should be run at this point. Any pending work or tasks not completed by the day shift should be listed so they can be seamlessly picked up by the relief team.
5. START THE EVENING!!

Just like morning report, this handoff should be conducted at a set time and place to develop consistency. It also allows all players to adhere to any overtime or work hour restrictions.

If your center includes other items on these checklists that you find helpful, please email or leave a comment below.

Click here to read the morning report best practice post