“Ticket to ride”: How useful is this new handoff tool?

Patient handoffs come in many forms, some of which are permanent (the provider will not get the patient back) and some of which are temporary (the provider will get the patient back). The danger inherent in temporary handoffs is that the temporary provider will not have sufficient information, or will not have time to gather the necessary information, to provide care for the patient safely. The “ticket‐to‐ride” tool, in addition to the verbal handoff communication, can be used to provide temporary providers of care with a salient synopsis of the patient's condition to protect the patient during an absence from the floor or unit. This article gives guidance on the development of a ticket‐to‐ride form.