Handover of patient information from the crisis assessment and treatment team to the inpatient psychiatric unit

Abstract

Handover, or the communication of patient information between clinicians, is a fundamental component of health care. Psychiatric settings are dynamic environments relying on timely and accurate communication to plan care and manage risk. Crisis assessment and treatment teams are the primary interface between community and mental health services in many Australian and international health services, facilitating access to assessment, treatment, and admission to hospital. No previous research has investigated the handover between crisis assessment and treatment teams and inpatient psychiatric units, despite the importance of handover to care planning. The aim of the present study was to identify the nature and types of information transferred during these handovers, and to explore how these guides initial care planning. An observational, exploratory study design was used. A 20-item handover observation tool was used to observe 19 occasions of handover. A prospective audit was undertaken on clinical documentation arising from the admission. Clinical information, including psychiatric history and mental state, were handed over consistently; however, information about consumer preferences was reported less consistently. The present study identified a lack of attention to consumer preferences at handover, despite the current focus on recovery-oriented models for mental health care, and the centrality of respecting consumer preferences within the recovery paradigm.

Developing a guideline for structured content and process in mental health nursing handover

“…; Waters et al . ). There are also occasions where information is discussed that has been collaboratively obtained from other services and the patient's family without the patient's knowledge.…”

“…This is consistent with research conducted both within mental health settings (Waters et al . ) and in general medicine (Drach‐Zahavy & Shilman ). Ultimately, health care has an increasing focus on efficiency, and health professionals are challenged to creatively find ways of working that maximize time, while delivering safe, effective care (Brunero & Lamont ; Lamont et al .…”

Views of mental health consumers about being involved in nursing handover on acute inpatient units

“…Handover is not simply about communication; it is crucial for care planning (Waters et al 2015). The participants in the present study wanted to know what decisions were being made, and how they could influence those decisions.…”

“…Understanding a consumer's perception of their general health, risk factors, and desire to change is also an important step for the road to recovery (Cleary et al 2013). Waters et al (2015) emphasized the importance of nursing handover in mental health to care planning.…”

Care pathways in the transition of patients between district psychiatric hospital centres (DPCs) and community mental health services

“…Katschnig, for example, emphasized the importance of monitoring different levels of health care to find the best models or pathways of care. Waters et al suggested that documentation does not reflect patients' views on treatment. However, several studies have revealed that care pathways improve the components of care coordination …”