5 September 2009

HANDOVER GUIDELINES
Specialist and GP Obstetricians
Guidelines on Effective Patient Handover for SOLS Applicants and Locums
A cornerstone of the SOLS program is a commitment to safety and quality of patient care. SOLS requires the applicant to provide a preliminary briefing to the locum on clinical, professional, personal, and other issues prior to commencement of the placement to ensure continuity of care for patients and orientation to the practice. The SOLS locum must brief the applicant on clinical issues on completion of the placement to ensure continuity of care for patients. Given this recognition of handover as a vital aspect of continuity of care, the SOLS Management aims through these guidelines to clarify best handover practice for all SOLS placements.

Time for Handover

Prior to the commencement of the placement, the applicant and locum should agree on a time and date to conduct the formal handover. The handover should occur on the day before the locum is to commence duties. A handover for the conclusion of the placement should be planned at this time.

Content of Handover
The formal handover should occur in person, with a written document in support. The information should include: practice/hospital details (including relevant contact details of colleagues names and phone numbers, security codes etc., see attached ); introduction to all relevant staff and patients, including: CEOs and DONs at all Hospitals; relevant clinical staff in all areas the services of the locum may be required relevant patients (all inpatients, with outpatients at the discretion of the applicant); orientation to theatre and equipment; a list of presenting patients and their notes; current inpatients; accurate location of all patients; patients with anticipated problems; outstanding tasks and their required time for completion; and other operational matters directly related to clinical care.

At the conclusion of the placement, the locum should brief the applicant and provide a written report to the applicant to include: complications; and current clinical problems.

The Specialist Obstetrician Locum Scheme (SOLS) is funded by the Australian Government

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SOLS PRACTICE HANDOVER

Practice Name Address Phone Number/s Practice Personnel Personnel Doctors Doctors Doctors Practice Manager Nurse Receptionist Other Personnel Other Personnel Other Personnel Security Code/s Computer Password Hospital Names & Phone Numbers Hospital Address Switch Labour Ward Theatre Outpatient/Emergency Security Code Hospital Personnel & Phone Numbers Position Medical Director Nursing Director Maternity Manager Theatre Manager Diabetic Educator Name Contact Number Name Mobile Phone Other Contact Info

The Specialist Obstetrician Locum Scheme (SOLS) is funded by the Australian Government

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Other Specialists & Personnel Position Registrar Resident GP Obstetrician GP Obstetrician GP Obstetrician Anaesthetist Anaesthetist Anaesthetist Anaesthetist Surgeon Surgeon Surgeon Paediatrician Paediatrician Paediatrician Physician Physician X Ray/Ultrasound Pathology Other Name Contact Number

Current Patient Info

Inpatients

High Risk

The Specialist Obstetrician Locum Scheme (SOLS) is funded by the Australian Government

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If locum is staying in principals home please fill in useful contacts and other information. Home Address, Phone, Useful Contacts & Information Address Phone

Home security Code/s Emergency Contact Details House Cleaner Name (& contact if required) Gardener (& contact if required) Neighbour Phone Phone Phone

Phone

Neighbour

Phone

Animals including names, feeding and exercise details

Domestic Info Supermarket Local Butcher Restaurant Gym/Pool Art Gallery/s Theatre Mechanic Places of Interest

Address

Could leave tourist brochures or latest local newspaper

The Specialist Obstetrician Locum Scheme (SOLS) is funded by the Australian Government

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