1. INTRODUCTION

The Quality Improvement Network was established by the RCN’s Quality Improvement Programme in 1989 to contribute to the quality of patient care through the sharing of knowledge, skills and information on quality improvement, patient safety, clinical governance and leadership. The safe transfer of care is a vital component of the quality of care and safe practice (Pothier, et al., 2005). When the process of transfer of care is inadequately undertaken risks to the patient are increased and may subsequently lead to harm (BMA, 2005; Joint Commission, 2007). The Network organised a series of patient safety road shows which were specifically designed to build consensus and concentrate activities on the key topic of transfer of care, to facilitate networking between members of the Network’s regional groups and a range of colleagues working across all care sectors, and to identify the actions required to improve the patients’ experience of transfer of care across all health and social settings.

1.1 Literature Review

“A good…handover process is a crucial part of providing quality…care…The conservation of patient data during the handover process is vital to ensure good continuity of care and safe practice. Any errors or omissions made during the handover process may have dangerous consequences…”
(Pothier, et al., 2005)

Delays in transferring or discharging patients can result in a range of problems for both patients and organisations (Bryan, et al., 2005). For patients these problems include: increased dependency; depression; loss of choice, control and confidence; and being placed at risk of exposure to hospital acquired infection. For organisations delays in the transfer or discharge of patients may result in bed blocking, leading to the possibility of greater waiting times for patients needing hospital care and treatment. In addition,