Handover Report for Busy General Ward

Date: March 16, 2024

Shift: Day Shift (08:00 – 20:00)

Ward: General Ward

Overview: The general ward is currently busy, with a total of 40 patients. Here’s a breakdown of
the patient categories:

Postoperative Patients (5):

These patients have undergone surgical procedures and are in the recovery phase.

Ensure regular wound assessments, pain management, and early mobilization.

Monitor vital signs and address any postoperative complications.

Pre-operative Patients (6):

These patients are scheduled for upcoming surgeries.

Confirm fasting status and ensure proper preoperative preparations.

Coordinate with the surgical team regarding timing and requirements.

Emergency Patients (2):

These patients require immediate attention.

Assess their condition promptly and initiate necessary interventions.

Communicate with the emergency department for seamless transfer.

Key Points:

Patient Assignments:

Allocate nursing staff based on patient acuity and workload.

Prioritize care for critical patients while maintaining overall patient safety.

Medication Administration:

Double-check medication orders and ensure timely administration.

Document medications accurately in patient records.

Vital Signs Monitoring:

Regularly assess vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen
saturation).

Notify the medical team of any significant changes.

Patient Rounds:

Conduct hourly rounds to address patient needs.

Address pain management, hygiene, and comfort.

Documentation:

Complete nursing notes promptly.

Document any incidents, falls, or changes in patient condition.

Lessons Learned:

The busy ward situation emphasizes the importance of effective communication and teamwork.

Prioritize tasks based on patient acuity and urgency.

Collaborate with colleagues to ensure comprehensive care.

Recommendations:

Staffing:

Consider additional nursing support during peak hours.

Rotate staff to prevent fatigue.

Communication:

Use a standardized handover tool for consistency.

Ensure clear communication during shift changes.

Patient Education:

Educate patients and families about their care plan.

Provide discharge instructions as needed.

Remember, patient safety is our top priority. Let’s work together to provide excellent care and
maintain a supportive environment for both patients and staff.
In the general ward, we currently have a total of 40 patients under our care. Among them, 5
patients have undergone surgery recently and are in the postoperative phase. Additionally, there
are 6 patients scheduled for upcoming surgeries and are categorized as pre-operative. Two
patients require immediate emergency intervention and are being prioritized accordingly.

Given the current situation in the ward, it is important to note that the medical staff is actively
managing the care of all patients, considering the varying needs and acuities. The emergency
cases are being addressed promptly to ensure the well-being of those patients. The overall
situation in the ward can be described as busy, requiring coordinated efforts from the healthcare
team to provide optimal care and support to all individuals under our supervision.

During the handover, it is crucial to emphasize the distribution of patients across different
categories (postoperative, pre-operative, emergency) and highlight any specific concerns or
issues that require immediate attention. Effective communication and collaboration among the
staff will be essential in ensuring the continuity of care and the well-being of all patients in the
ward.