Nursing handovers: An integrative review of the different models and processes available

The aim of this study is to explore the different handover models and processes available and their efficacy in improving handover communication within nursing practice. The handover of information is a key nursing responsibility that ensures patient outcomes through continuity of care. This process is widely recognised as an opening for error that may comprise patient safety. This paper is an integrative literature review that employed an inductive exploratory design. A computerised database search was employed including CINAHL, PubMed and Science Direct and a manual citation search with included papers limited to papers published 2005–2016, in English with full text freely available. This included a systematic search strategy, a critical appraisal of the papers utilising the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, an inductive data extraction and thematic analysis. Sixteen papers were included in this review. The results detailed that there are various handover models in use, yet there is no evidence that any one model displays superior efficacy. The iSoBAR model and its adaptations remain the only model employed across various specialties. More research is warranted to determine if any handover model displays superior efficacy or transferability.