Quality and efficiency of a standardized e-handover system for pediatric nursing: A prospective interventional study

Aim This study examined the effect on pediatric nursing handover quality and efficiency when a standardized e-handover system was implemented. Background Handover quality is an important aspect of nursing quality management; however, handover quality among nursing staff is poor. Methods A prospective interventional study was carried out in a general pediatrics ward from December 2019 to November 2020. The tools included a standardized e-handover system. The intervention strategies included workflow remodeling and employee training on oral handover using the standardized e-handover system. Results The omission frequency of critical handover elements decreased from 47.32% to 2.94% (p < .01), among which the omission frequencies of nine out of 16 key elements significantly decreased. Integrity also showed improvement. Specifically, the integrity of five types of critical information was significantly improved, including vital signs, signs and symptoms, laboratory test results, radiologic examination results, and treatment regimen (2.00 vs. 5.00, p < .01; 3.00 vs. 5.00, p < .01; 3.00 vs. 5.00, p < .01; 5.00 vs. 5.00, p = .009; 3.00 vs. 4.00, p < .01, respectively). Information accuracy was 100%. Workflow and efficiency significantly improved, communication duration with patient/family during work hours significantly increased (24.00 vs. 56.00, p < .01), and prehandover preparation duration significantly decreased (32.00 vs. 2.50, p < .01). Nurse handover satisfaction showed improvement (56.88 +/- 15.08 vs. 74.31 +/- 9.22, p < .01). Conclusion The standardized e-handover system effectively improved nurse handover quality, optimized workflow, increased work efficiency, and promoted teamwork. Implications for Nursing Management Standardized e-handover systems have great potential for ensuring the safety of pediatric patients and improving the quality of handover.

Automated summary

The study found that implementing a standardized e-handover system can effectively improve the quality of nurse handover and work efficiency, and promote teamwork. The frequency of omission of key handover elements significantly decreased, and the integrity of key information improved, with an information accuracy rate of 100%. In addition, the workflow was optimized, work efficiency increased, and nurse satisfaction with handover improved.