Handoff Effectiveness Research in Perioperative Environments (Hero) Design Studio: A Conference Report

Ineffective perioperative handoffs can introduce vulnerabilities in patient safety for multiple reasons, including the potential for incomplete or inaccurate transfer of information, conflicting mental models, and misunderstandings of responsibility and accountability for patient care.1 Handoffs are complex sociotechnical procedures that require coordination between clinicians and may be challenged by distractions, cognitive overload, and poor team dynamics.2 Perioperative handoffs are unique in that they represent a series of care transfers over a short period of time and may occur in a number of different patient care locations, including pre-operative holding areas, post-anesthesia care units (PACUs), ICUs, and inpatient wards