American journal of medical quality : the official journal of the American College of Medical Quality
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With the ever-increasing adoption of shift models for intensive care unit (ICU) staffing, improving shift-to-shift handoffs represents an important step in reducing medical errors. The authors developed an electronic handoff tool integrated within the existing electronic medical record to improve handoffs in an adult ICU. First, stakeholder (staff intensivists, fellows, and nurse practitioners/physician assistants) input was sought to define what elements they perceived as being essential to a quality handoff. ⋯ Based on stakeholder input, the authors developed the handoff tool and provided regular education on its use. Handoffs were observed before and after implementation of the tool. There was an increase in the level of agreement for tasks and other important data points handed off without an increase in the time required to complete the handoff.