Establishing a Conceptual Framework for Handoffs Using Communication Theory

摘要: Background A significant consequence of the 2003 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty hour restrictions has been dramatic increase in patient care handoffs. Ineffective handoffs have identified as third most common cause medical error. However, research into health lacks a unifying foundational structure. We sought to identify conceptual framework that could be used critically analyze Methods scholarly review focusing on communication theory possible was conducted. PubMed search published handoff also performed, and literature analyzed matched relevant models. Results The Shannon-Weaver Linear Model Communication appropriate describes linear process. source encodes message signal, signal is sent through channel, decoded back at destination, all presence internal external noise. identifies 3 separate instances where error occurs: transmitter (message encoding), receiver (signal decoding). Conclusions suitable provides structured approach describing variables. propose should foundation further interventions improve