Customized Handoff Protocols for ICU Patient Safety
(HATRICC-US Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial focuses on improving patient safety in hospitals by creating customized handoff protocols for patient transfers from the operating room to the ICU. The researchers aim to identify the best methods to ensure doctors and nurses follow these protocols, leading to smoother transitions and better patient care. Patients who have recently undergone surgery and are being moved to the ICU at participating hospitals can join this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers patients the chance to contribute to enhancing hospital safety and care practices.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for ICU patient handoffs?
Research has shown that customized handoff protocols in hospitals can enhance patient safety. One study found that these protocols, which standardize the sharing of patient information during transitions, improve communication between doctors and nurses. Better communication leads to fewer mistakes and improved care for patients moving from the operating room to the ICU (intensive care unit).
Another study found that these protocols ensure all critical information about a patient's care is shared between medical teams. This is crucial in critical care areas like the ICU, where patients require close monitoring and rapid responses to changes in their condition.
No reports indicate negative effects from using these handoff protocols, suggesting they are safe and well-tolerated. The focus remains on improving information sharing, not on medication or medical procedures, which generally means fewer risks for patients involved.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the customized handoff protocol because it aims to improve patient safety during the critical transition from the operating room to the ICU. Unlike standard handoff procedures that might be generic and inconsistent, this protocol is tailored to fit the specific needs of each ICU, potentially leading to more effective communication and better patient outcomes. By focusing on a customized approach, the protocol seeks to enhance the uptake and sustained use of best practices among clinicians, ultimately reducing errors and improving overall patient care during these high-risk transitions.
What evidence suggests that this customized handoff protocol is effective for ICU patient safety?
Studies have shown that customized handoff protocols can greatly improve patient safety in intensive care settings. This trial will implement a customized handoff protocol in 12 ICUs to facilitate the transition of care from the operating room to the ICU. Research indicates that a personalized handoff method ensures accurate sharing of important information during this transition. This reduces the likelihood of losing or misunderstanding crucial details about a patient's condition and treatment. By enhancing communication among healthcare providers, these protocols can reduce mistakes and improve patient outcomes. Initial findings suggest that closely following these protocols can lead to better care and potentially save lives.34567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Meghan B Lane-Fall, MD, MSHP
Principal Investigator
University of Pennsylvania
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking adults who are admitted to the study hospitals for inpatient care and will experience a handoff from surgery to intensive care. It's also for healthcare workers involved in surgical patient care or with administrative duties related to patient care at these hospitals.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Implementation
Adaptation and implementation of tailored postoperative handoff protocols in 12 ICUs
Sustainment
Evaluation of the sustainment of the handoff protocols and fidelity over time
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after implementation
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Customized handoff
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator