Implementing a standardized handoff to improve SRNA self-efficacy and PACU satisfaction

Handoff involves the transfer of patient care from the anesthesia provider to the post- anesthesia care unit registered nurse (PACU RN) in the post-perioperative period (Rose & Newman, 2016). Handoff is a period of time where a large amount of important information is transferred and can be considered an extremely vulnerable period due to the potential for distractions and transmission errors (Robins & Dai, 2015). The lack of a standardized handoff format can contribute to this issue. Inconsistent handoffs from anesthesia providers to the PACU can lead to low satisfaction among PACU RNs (Petrovic et al., 2015). Standardizing the handoff process and utilizing a tool has shown to improve team dynamics and reduce medical errors (Boat & Spaeth, 2013). This project utilized a non-experimental predictive correlational design. Rutgers Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) were given an educational lecture and provided with a standardized handoff tool based on AANA (American Association of Nurse Anesthetists) handoff elements to be utilized at clinical for 4 weeks. The study aims to assess the effect of implementing a standardized handoff tool on SRNA self-efficacy and PACU satisfaction. 42 Rutgers SRNAs representing two cohorts and 10 PACU RNs were part of this study. Preintervention and postintervention surveys of both SRNA cohorts were analyzed using paired t-tests. Both cohort's data showed a p <.000, demonstrating a statistically significant increase in SRNA self-efficacy with handoff, and PACU evaluations had positive results from implementation of the handoff tool.DNPIncludes bibliographical reference