Clarification: hand offs

brownbook · Nov 8, 2015

Pre op RN to OR RN has always been very casual. We may not even talk to the OR RN unless there is something out of the norm. If the patient's paper work, consent, check list, orders, etc. are in order we may not talk to them. If we're waiting for calcification from the surgeon on consent to read, or an antibiotic was routinely ordered that the patient is allergic to we put a "stop" sign next to their surgeons name on the board and a laminate sign on top of their chart. So they come to us to clarify, or we go to them as they are getting the patient ready.

OR nurse to PACU is brief. The anesthesiologist give us any pertinent medical history, what anesthesia/sedation the patient received. The OR nurse mentions the incision, dressing, any drains, if an in and out foley was placed, etc. Some tell more...."their family is waiting in the lobby", or "you will need to call their ride", how much marcain or lidocain was used, etc.,some tell less.

Of course this is assuming routine patients and surgeries. Anytime something is out of the norm everyone gives more detailed report. A quick simple report and reading the chart sames a lot of time and confusion.

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 8, 2015

We don't really have a handoff from preop to OR. We have an SBAR form that is on the chart, with a little checkbox the preop RN can use if a face to face report is necessary. However, we hardly ever have a face to face handoff.

OR to PACU is another SBAR form, but we go through it verbally: procedure and surgeon, dressings, drains, antibiotics given, allergies, anything else important. Anesthesia covers history, meds they've given, and fluids.