International journal of surgery
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Compliance with European working time regulations in surgical practice has resulted in an increase in the number of clinicians caring for individual patients and subsequently an increase in the frequency of handovers. In 2007, the Royal College of Surgeons of England produced guidelines on the minimum data-set for 'safe handover'. This audit examined compliance with these guidelines before and after adopting a more detailed electronic handover 'template' with the intention of improving handover quality and patient safety. ⋯ Significant improvement was seen in the completeness of information handed-over following the introduction of the new proforma with likely positive implications for patient safety and standard of care. Opportunity for improvement still remains however, and more specific focussed tuition for trainees is required.