Morning report: an Australian experience.

In January 2001, a daily morning handover meeting ("morning report"), involving medical staff and students, began at the Launceston General Hospital, Tasmania. Periodic questionnaire surveys have been conducted to assess whether the morning report is fulfilling the quality improvement and educational needs of medical staff. The format of meetings has been successively modified in response to feedback. Participants have expressed a preference for patient-focused meetings, with less emphasis on formal teaching. A 12-month pilot study beginning in January 2004 has assessed the impact of adding a bed-management focus to the morning report. Over the period of the pilot study, there has been reduced bed access block, reduced average length of stay and increased bed availability. This suggests that a longer, more formal study may be warranted.