Background

The ABC of Handover provides a standardised framework for shift handover in the Emergency Department.  It includes clinical and operational information necessary for efficient management and organisation of the next shift.  The ABC of Handover promotes better communication and proactive management of issues relating to the shift, allowing the user to anticipate problems and ultimately heighten awareness of potential patient safety issues. 

Downloads

A written format of the ABC of Handover is available to download, as well as a summarised guide for implementation and best practice for Handover.

• The ABC Handover tool (PDF)
• Guide for Implementation and best practice for Handover (PDF)

Relevant publications

Academic papers describing development and application of the ABC of Handover are also available:

• Farhan M, Brown R, Woloshynowych M, Vincent C. The ABC of handover: a qualitative study to develop a new tool for handover in the emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2012 Jan 3. [Epub ahead of print]
• Farhan M, Brown R, Vincent C, Woloshynowych M. 'The ABC of Handover': impact on shift handover in the emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2011 Dec 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Contact

Please contact Maisse Farhan (Maisse.Farhan@imperial.nhs.uk)  for further information about TheABC of Handover.