Ineffective communication is recognized as a critical safety problem in health care. In fact, an estimated 80 percent of serious medical errors involve miscommunication between caregivers during the transfer of patients. One example of a predictable and critical communication event is patient handoff. Patient handoff may be described as the transfer of patient information and knowledge, along with authority and responsibility, from one clinician or team of clinicians to another during transitions of care across the continuum. This process should include the opportunity to ask questions, and to clarify and confirm the information being transmitted. As part of its standard of provision of care, treatment, and services, The Joint Commission (2007)
