The Joint Commission Sentinel Events
Communication is always one of the top findings reported by the joint commission as a causative factor for devastating events.
http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/Root_Causes_Event_Type_2004_2Q2012.pdf
National Patient Goals
The Joint Commission requires all health care providers to "implement a standardized approach to handoff communications including an opportunity to ask and respond to questions" (2006 National Patient Safety Goal 2E). The Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal also contains specific guidelines for the handoff process, many drawn from other high-risk industries:
http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/Root_Causes_Event_Type_2004_2Q2012.pdf
National Patient Goals
The Joint Commission requires all health care providers to "implement a standardized approach to handoff communications including an opportunity to ask and respond to questions" (2006 National Patient Safety Goal 2E). The Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal also contains specific guidelines for the handoff process, many drawn from other high-risk industries:
- interactive communications
- up-to-date and accurate information
- limited interruptions
- a process for verification
- an opportunity to review any relevant historical data