#157 Handoffs: Contingency Planning
Core IM | Internal Medicine Podcast
Effective Signouts Require Specificity and Context
When preparing signouts and contingency plans, focus on five critical questions: Identify the specific information necessary for effective communication about the patient, ensure the next team possesses the tools and information required for successful follow-up, verify that the handoff is current, clarify goals of care and necessary prognostic information, and disclose any areas of uncertainty that the next team should be aware of. In complex situations, such as unusual patient experiences, detailed knowledge from the previous caregiver is essential. This context enables the incoming team to address unique challenges—like managing a patient's hallucinations in this instance—effectively and efficiently. Tailoring communication in such situations significantly enhances patient care.
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