Improving patient outcomes with a new anesthesia handoff tool

Improving Surgical Patient Outcomes Through Implementation of a SemiStructured Intraoperative Anesthesia Handoff Tool

Not applicable Interventional The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT06533111

This study tests a new tool for improving communication between anesthesia teams during surgeries to see if it helps patients recover better after their procedures.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment4500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 105 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06533111 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a semi-structured intraoperative anesthesia handoff tool designed to enhance communication during patient transitions between anesthesia clinicians. It aims to determine how this tool impacts postoperative outcomes and to validate the 5-Factor Perceived Shared Mental Model Scale (5-PSMMS) in a clinical setting. The study will compare outcomes between patients receiving the new handoff tool and those receiving usual care during non-cardiac surgeries.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients undergoing non-cardiac surgeries that involve at least one permanent anesthesia clinician handoff.

Not a fit: Patients who are organ donors or classified as ASA Physical Status 6 will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to reduced postoperative complications and improved patient safety.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with structured communication tools in surgical settings, indicating potential for success with this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Undergoing non-cardiac surgery in the main operating rooms (e.g. not the endoscopy suite or labor and delivery ward)
* Undergoing at least one permanent (e.g. end of shift) anesthesia clinician handoff

Exclusion Criteria:

* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status 6 (organ donors)

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Post-operative ComplicationsIntraoperative anesthesia handoffs
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.