Improving communication during patient handoffs after surgery
EnhanCed HandOffs (ECHO)
This study is working on a new way to help doctors and nurses communicate better when moving patients from surgery to the intensive care unit, using technology to make sure everyone has the right information to keep patients safe and reduce mistakes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11054563 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the communication and coordination between surgical, anesthesia, and critical care teams during the critical transition of patients from the operating room to the intensive care unit. It aims to address the high rate of medical errors that occur during these handoffs by developing a new approach called the INTERACT handoff bundle, which integrates telemedicine and machine learning to create a more flexible and interactive communication process. By standardizing yet personalizing the handoff process, the research seeks to improve the quality of information transfer and shared understanding of patient risks, ultimately enhancing patient safety during the postoperative period.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing complex surgeries who will require intensive care postoperatively.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing surgery or those who do not require intensive care after their procedures may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce medical errors during postoperative handoffs, leading to safer recovery experiences for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improving handoff processes can enhance patient safety, but this approach aims to innovate beyond existing methods, making it a novel endeavor.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abraham, Joanna — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Abraham, Joanna
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.