Handoff communication, or the transfer of data during transitions in care, includes an opportunity to ask questions, clarify, and confirm the information being passed between sender and receiver. What is the main objective for ensuring effective communication during a client handoff?
A)To avoid lawsuits
B)To make sure all documentation is complete
C)To facilitate quality improvement
D)To ensure client safety

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)Ineffective communication is the primary cause of sentinel events, making client safety the primary objective of the handoff communication process. Handoff communication may be scrutinized during a lawsuit, but avoiding litigation is not a primary objective. Similarly, engaging in handoff communication can help a nurse determine whether all documentation related to a particular client's care is complete, but this is not a primary objective. Finally, analysis of handoff communication may be a quality improvement criterion, but it is not a primary objective.
B)Ineffective communication is the primary cause of sentinel events, making client safety the primary objective of the handoff communication process. Handoff communication may be scrutinized during a lawsuit, but avoiding litigation is not a primary objective. Similarly, engaging in handoff communication can help a nurse determine whether all documentation related to a particular client's care is complete, but this is not a primary objective. Finally, analysis of handoff communication may be a quality improvement criterion, but it is not a primary objective.
C)Ineffective communication is the primary cause of sentinel events, making client safety the primary objective of the handoff communication process. Handoff communication may be scrutinized during a lawsuit, but avoiding litigation is not a primary objective. Similarly, engaging in handoff communication can help a nurse determine whether all documentation related to a particular client's care is complete, but this is not a primary objective. Finally, analysis of handoff communication may be a quality improvement criterion, but it is not a primary objective.
D)Ineffective communication is the primary cause of sentinel events, making client safety the primary objective of the handoff communication process. Handoff communication may be scrutinized during a lawsuit, but avoiding litigation is not a primary objective. Similarly, engaging in handoff communication can help a nurse determine whether all documentation related to a particular client's care is complete, but this is not a primary objective. Finally, analysis of handoff communication may be a quality improvement criterion, but it is not a primary objective.

Handoff Communication, or the Transfer of Data During Transitions in Care