SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Toward Context-Adaptive Handoff Standardization: Exploring Hospitalists' Communication Practices in the U.S. And Nepal

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This study examined hospitalist handoff communication practices at two tertiary academic hospitals: Froedtert Hospital in the U.S. and Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal. The goal was to identify provider perceptions, barriers, and opportunities for improving transitions of care in very different healthcare settings.<br /><br />Using a survey with Likert-scale and open-ended questions, the researchers asked 42 hospitalists/staff physicians at Froedtert and 20 at Dhulikhel about current handoff methods, satisfaction, perceived risks, and attitudes toward standardization. Quantitative results were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative responses were used to explain the findings.<br /><br />Key findings showed that both sites had important weaknesses in handoff communication. At Froedtert, although an electronic health record exists, the lack of a structured handoff workflow limits consistency. At Dhulikhel, handoffs rely more heavily on verbal communication, which supports teamwork but increases the risk of missed information. Despite these differences, about 80% of respondents at both hospitals supported structured templates, protected time for handoffs, and prioritization of critically ill patients. Confidence in discharging patients on the first day of service was similar across both sites.<br /><br />Both groups agreed that training new personnel in handoff practices is essential. The study concludes that safer transitions of care require standardized, interactive, and EMR-integrated handoff processes. At the same time, solutions must account for the infrastructural and training challenges faced in resource-limited settings like Nepal. The authors recommend adaptable, context-sensitive tools that combine digital standardization with team-based flexibility to reduce preventable errors and improve equitable care. This approach also supports Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Asset Subtitle

Roshan Thapa

Meta Tag

Author List Alisha Sharma, Constance Shumba, June Kakshapati, Megan Amarbayan, Murad H. Taani, Pinky Jha, Roshan Thapa, Sanjay Bhandari, Theodore MacKinney

Category Research

Concept Hospitalist Handoff

Concept Patient Safety Risk

Concept Transitional Care

Concept Workflow Standardization

Concept Verbal Handoff

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Medical College of Wisconsin

Presenting Author Roshan Thapa

Track Transitions of Care

Keywords

hospitalist handoff

transition of care

patient safety

structured templates

electronic health record

verbal communication

standardized workflow

resource-limited settings

handoff training

Sustainable Development Goal 3

Hospitalist Handoff

Patient Safety Risk

Transitional Care

Workflow Standardization

Verbal Handoff