248 Improving Handovers from A Neurosurgical High Dependency Unit to Ward Teams

Introduction A good handover is fundamental in providing continuity of care within a multidisciplinary team, allowing for safe and effective management of patients. Method Handovers between the neurosurgical high dependency unit and the ward team were prospectively evaluated as patients were stepped down over a 6-week period. The handover rate and consequences of poor handovers (missed investigations, referrals, or delayed discharges) were documented. After 6-weeks, handover proforma was introduced and the rates were recalculated. Results In the initial 6-week period, 36 patients were transferred, with only 2(5.6%) appropriately handed-over. Consequently, 9(26%) patients had delayed scans, 5(15%) missed referrals, and 24(71%) delayed discharges. In the 6-week period following the introduction of the proforma, a total of 28 patients were transferred, with 19(67.8%) documented handovers. Consequently, 1(3.5%) patient had a scan delay, 0 missed referrals and only 2(7%) patients had delayed discharges. Conclusions By raising awareness of handovers and introducing a proforma, we improved documented handovers by 62.3% whilst reducing the rate of missed investigations, referrals, and delayed discharges by over 90%. This project highlights how small, simple, and easy to enforce changes can lead to significant improvements in the quality of care provided to patients.