Reaching consensus on the definition of person-centred handover practices in emergency departments : a modified online Delphi

Abstract

AIM : To reach consensus on the definition and attributes of ‘person-centred handover practices’ in emergency departments. BACKGROUND : Handover practices between emergency care practitioners and healthcare professionals in emergency departments are important and should be conducted meticulously. Person-centred handover practices may enhance the delivery of person-centred care in emergency departments. DESIGN : A three-round online Delphi survey. METHODS : Nine experts participated in a three round Delphi survey. The expert panel comprised experts from nine countries. Quantitative data were descriptively analysed, and qualitative data were thematically analysed. A consensus of 80% had to be reached before an attribute and definition could be accepted. RESULTS : Experts reached a consensus of 79% in round one, 95% in round two and 95% in round three. A final set of six attributes were agreed upon and the final concept definition was formulated. CONCLUSION : Person-centred handover practices have not been implemented in emergency departments. Yet, person-centred handover practices may enhance the delivery of person-centred care, which has multiple benefits for patients and healthcare practitioners. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE : Person-centred care is not generally implemented in emergency departments. Person-centred handover practices can lead to person-centred care. Handover practices in emergency departments are a high-risk activity. Despite numerous calls to standardise and improve handover practices, they remain a problem. Developing a standardised definition could be a first step towards implementing person-centred handover practices in emergency departments. REPORTING METHOD : The study adhered to the relevant EQUATOR reporting guidelines: Guidance on Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies (CREDES) checklist. IMPACT (ADDRESSING) : Improve handover practices and patient care. Improve person-centred care in emergency departments.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION : Emergency care practitioners and nurses experienced in handover practices and/or person-centred care, working in clinical and academic fields, participated in the study by sharing their expert knowledge during each of the Delphi rounds.