What information should be included in a patient safety handoff report?

The most relevant information to include in a patient safety handoff report is the patient's condition, recent changes in their health status, safety concerns, and any pending actionable items. This type of report is crucial in ensuring continuity of care and maintaining patient safety during transitions between healthcare providers.

By detailing the patient's current condition, it allows the incoming caregiver to understand what to be aware of or monitor closely. Recent changes are important because they can impact the patient’s treatment plan or require adjustments to care. Safety concerns highlight any risks that need to be communicated to prevent potential harm, while actionable items inform the receiving team about tasks that require immediate attention or follow-up, ensuring that critical aspects of the patient’s care are not overlooked.

Including general health history or family opinions, while informative, does not address the immediate and essential needs for safe and effective care transitions, which is the primary focus in a handoff report.