In Handoff Communication, medical insurance expert witness Ms. Kathy G. Ferrell, BS, RN, LNCC writes:
Handoff communication is simply the relay of information from one healthcare provider to another. Every day nurses are responsible for relaying information regarding patient care to physicians, nurses, radiology, laboratory, dietary and many other health care providers.
A breakdown in this communication has been reported by The Joint Commission (accrediting body for hospitals) as the root cause of 65% of adverse events that occur in hospitals. In 2006 The Joint Commission mandated that hospitals improve the effectiveness of handoff communication including a process whereas the healthcare provider had an opportunity to ask questions and have them answered.