Effective clinical handover documentation supporting patient safety.
Handover notes ensure continuity of care at transitions between clinical teams. Clear, structured handover reduces risk, improves safety and supports the receiving team in prioritising care.
CLINICAL HANDOVER ===================================== DATE: ___________ TIME: ___________ HANDING OVER: _________________________ RECEIVING: ____________________________ WARD/TEAM: ____________________________ PATIENT LIST ------------------------------------- Pt | DOB | Bed | Diagnosis | Acuity ___|_____|_____|___________|________ INDIVIDUAL PATIENT DETAILS: ------------------------------------- PATIENT: ______________________________ DOB: _____________ Bed: ______________ DIAGNOSIS: ____________________________ ACUITY: Stable / Needs Review / Sick Current issues: [Brief summary] Outstanding tasks: 1. 2. IF/THEN plans: If [X] then [Y] Ceiling of care: ______________________ DNACPR: In place / Not in place ------------------------------------- [Repeat for each patient requiring handover] GENERAL WARD ISSUES: [Any ward-level concerns] CONTACT FOR QUERIES: Name: _________________________________ Bleep/Phone: __________________________ SIGNATURE: ____________ DATE: _________