When information is missing or incorrect during a patient handoff, the consequences can be tragic.

A "handoff" is the process of transferring care for a patient from one caregiver to another. The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goal 2E requires organizations to create a standardized approach to handoff communications, including an opportunity to ask and respond to questions. "Handoff Communications: Toolkit for Implementing the National Patient Safety Goal," a new product from Joint Commission Resources (JCR), will help health care organizations use proven handoff practices to reduce the risk of medical errors and comply with the National Patient Safety Goal. JCR is a not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission.

The tool kit provides practical strategies for health care organization management and staff, and includes the following:

- A guide that presents strategies for implementing proper handoff communication processes and techniques, tips for assessing current processes, and case studies that provide real-world examples of effective handoff practices.

- A CD-ROM that includes handouts, worksheets, videos, forms, and three slide presentations: "The Importance of Standardizing Handoff Communications," "Using Techniques and Tools from Other Organizations," and "Creating or Customizing Handoff Communications Techniques that Work in Your Organization."

"Handoff Communications: Toolkit for Implementing the National Patient Safety Goal" is available for $199 using order code HOCT08.

To order this tool kit, call JCR Customer Service toll-free at 877.223.6866, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, weekdays, or visit jcrinc/.

Joint Commission Resources