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Ward Protocols

Handover Notes

Effective patient handover ensures continuity of care and patient safety.

ISBAR — A Standard Handover Framework

I — Identification

  • Your name and designation
  • Patient name, age, hospital number
  • Ward and bed number

    • S — Situation

  • Current diagnosis
  • Reason for admission
  • Current status (stable, deteriorating, critical)

    • B — Background

  • Relevant medical history
  • Allergies
  • Significant events during admission
  • Investigations done and results

    • A — Assessment

  • Your clinical assessment
  • Current vitals and trends
  • Concerns or pending issues

    • R — Recommendation

  • Plan for next shift
  • Pending investigations
  • Medications due
  • Specific monitoring required

    • Key Principles

  • Handover should be face-to-face when possible
  • Use a structured format consistently
  • Highlight sick or unstable patients
  • Clearly communicate tasks to be completed
  • Avoid distractions during handover
  • Document the handover
  • Allow time for questions