Other Titles
Enhancing Post-Surgical Communication with Electronic EPIC Handoff [Title Slide]
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of implementing a standardized electronic handoff template within EPIC. The goal is to improve the quality of post-operative communication, improve efficiency, increase nurse satisfaction, and ensure continuity of care while mitigating risks associated with handwritten documentation.
Introduction: Effective communication during patient handoffs is vital for patient safety and continuity of care, especially in post-surgical settings. Inadequate communication often leads to delays and complications. Current reliance on handwritten reports from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) to surgical floors results in confusion and delays due to illegibility and lost documents. This project seeks to enhance the handoff process by implementing an electronic template in EPIC, aiming to improve reliability, efficiency, and nurse satisfaction.
Methods: We assessed the handwritten handoff method against the new electronic template using the DMAIC framework (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control). Data was collected via surveys sent to nursing staff on pilot units, measuring nurse satisfaction, perceived efficiency, continuity of care, and report receipt frequency, rated on a scale of 1-5. Training was provided to familiarize nurses with the electronic tool, which specifically addressed key post-operative details. Data analysis compared results before and after implementation.
Results: Initial survey results revealed that 70% of floor nurses were dissatisfied with the current handoff process, and 75% rarely received the PACU report. Following the electronic handoff implementation, our post-implementation data showed increases in satisfaction (+57.28%), perceived efficiency (+55.54%), continuity of care (+47.44%), and overall comprehensiveness (+37.14%). 100% of PACU nurses surveyed also indicated interest in expanding this project to encompass more units, and 100% of surgical floor nurses were satisfied with the clarity, information, reliability, and efficiency of electronic reports.
Conclusions: When used, the standardized electronic handoff template in EPIC helps enhance communication, reduce misunderstandings, and improve patient care efficiency and nurse satisfaction. This tool supports staff on better interdisciplinary communication for all post-op patients.
Notes
Presenter notes available in attached slide deck.
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quality Improvement
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Interprofessional Initiatives, Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary, Instrument Development, Tool Development, Patient Handoff, Postoperative Care, Interprofessional Relations
Recommended Citation
Le, Mimi; Harner, Nina; and Corbett, Jacqueline, "Enhancing Post Surgical Communication by Utilizing an Electronic EPIC Handoff" (2026). Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE). 29.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/chwe/2026/presentations_2026/29
Conference Name
Creating Healthy Work Environments
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Washington, DC, USA
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-04-24
Enhancing Post Surgical Communication by Utilizing an Electronic EPIC Handoff
Washington, DC, USA
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of implementing a standardized electronic handoff template within EPIC. The goal is to improve the quality of post-operative communication, improve efficiency, increase nurse satisfaction, and ensure continuity of care while mitigating risks associated with handwritten documentation.
Introduction: Effective communication during patient handoffs is vital for patient safety and continuity of care, especially in post-surgical settings. Inadequate communication often leads to delays and complications. Current reliance on handwritten reports from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) to surgical floors results in confusion and delays due to illegibility and lost documents. This project seeks to enhance the handoff process by implementing an electronic template in EPIC, aiming to improve reliability, efficiency, and nurse satisfaction.
Methods: We assessed the handwritten handoff method against the new electronic template using the DMAIC framework (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control). Data was collected via surveys sent to nursing staff on pilot units, measuring nurse satisfaction, perceived efficiency, continuity of care, and report receipt frequency, rated on a scale of 1-5. Training was provided to familiarize nurses with the electronic tool, which specifically addressed key post-operative details. Data analysis compared results before and after implementation.
Results: Initial survey results revealed that 70% of floor nurses were dissatisfied with the current handoff process, and 75% rarely received the PACU report. Following the electronic handoff implementation, our post-implementation data showed increases in satisfaction (+57.28%), perceived efficiency (+55.54%), continuity of care (+47.44%), and overall comprehensiveness (+37.14%). 100% of PACU nurses surveyed also indicated interest in expanding this project to encompass more units, and 100% of surgical floor nurses were satisfied with the clarity, information, reliability, and efficiency of electronic reports.
Conclusions: When used, the standardized electronic handoff template in EPIC helps enhance communication, reduce misunderstandings, and improve patient care efficiency and nurse satisfaction. This tool supports staff on better interdisciplinary communication for all post-op patients.
Description
Implementing a standardized electronic handoff template in EPIC significantly improved nurse satisfaction, communication, and continuity of care in post-surgical settings. Compared to handwritten reports, the new process increased efficiency and report reliability with 100% of floor nurses surveyed stating satisfaction with the new process. This initiative enhances overall patient safety through better interdisciplinary collaboration.