Clinical handover communication at maternity shift changes and women's safety in Banjul, the Gambia: a mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT:

Background

Clinical handover is a vital communication process for patient safety; transferring patient responsibility between healthcare professionals (HCPs). Exploring handover processes in maternity care is fundamental for service quality, addressing continuity of care and maternal mortality.

Methods

This mixed-methods study was conducted in all three maternity hospitals in Banjul, The Gambia. Shift-to-shift maternity handovers were observed and compared against a standard investigating content and environment. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with doctors, midwives and nurses explored handover experience.

Results

One hundred ten nurse/midwife shift-to-shift handovers were observed across all shift times and maternity wards; only 666 of 84

SUBMITTER: Rickard F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9587588 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature