Linda Hansson1, Jonas Wrigstad2, Anne-Marie Wangel3. 1. Skane University Hospital, Clinical Departments of Childrens Surgery, Heart Surgery and Neonatology, PICU, Getingev. 4, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden. Electronic address: linda.hansson@skane.se. 2. Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden. Electronic address: jonas.wrigstad@med.lu.se. 3. Malmo University, Faculty of Health and Society, Institution of Care Science, Jan Waldenstroms Gata 25, SE-205 06 Malmo, Sweden. Electronic address: anne-marie.wangel@mau.se.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: A new-born with congenital heart disease requires care that involves numerous specialists. Such care can be provided at tertiary referral hospitals and transportation is often needed. A crucial factor is the handover process, when the child is born at a distance, with transfer of both professional responsibility and continued care from one healthcare professional to another. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify crucial factors for the receiving healthcare professionals that influence the handover process of the new-born with congenital heart disease. METHOD: A cross-sectional questionnaire study with 53 receiving healthcare professionals at a paediatric intensive care unit at a tertiary referral university hospital in Sweden. The response rate was 48/53. Numerical variables were computed and a content analysis was performed. FINDINGS: The handover process of the new-born with heart disease transferred to a tertiary referral hospital is complicated. A clear majority of the respondents identified one or more flaws in this process. Crucial factors identified were: relevant and structured information, clear communication, adequate patient knowledge and an enabling environment. CONCLUSION: A standardised procedure in the different phases of the handover process could improve communication, the working situation for healthcare professionals and thereby increase patient safety.
INTRODUCTION: A new-born with congenital heart disease requires care that involves numerous specialists. Such care can be provided at tertiary referral hospitals and transportation is often needed. A crucial factor is the handover process, when the child is born at a distance, with transfer of both professional responsibility and continued care from one healthcare professional to another. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify crucial factors for the receiving healthcare professionals that influence the handover process of the new-born with congenital heart disease. METHOD: A cross-sectional questionnaire study with 53 receiving healthcare professionals at a paediatric intensive care unit at a tertiary referral university hospital in Sweden. The response rate was 48/53. Numerical variables were computed and a content analysis was performed. FINDINGS: The handover process of the new-born with heart disease transferred to a tertiary referral hospital is complicated. A clear majority of the respondents identified one or more flaws in this process. Crucial factors identified were: relevant and structured information, clear communication, adequate patient knowledge and an enabling environment. CONCLUSION: A standardised procedure in the different phases of the handover process could improve communication, the working situation for healthcare professionals and thereby increase patient safety.