Advanced Qualitative Methods hosted by the Qualitative Methods Learning Collaborative

Using Ethnographic Field Observations to Explore Ward Team Handoffs of Overnight Admissions

by Justin Choi, MD, MSc
Seminar date: 9/12/2024

Description: Effective handoffs are critical for patient safety and continuity of care, yet the handoff process for overnight admissions during ward rounds remains underexplored. In this seminar, we will present the methods and findings from our recent ethnographic study of academic medical ward teams and how they operate in the handoff of patients admitted overnight during morning ward rounds. Participants will gain insights into potential strengths and missed opportunities in the medical ward team handoff process. Additionally, we will discuss the qualitative methods employed in this study, and highlight how situativity theory was used to analyze the dynamic interactions within the real clinical environment. This session is ideal for researchers, clinicians, and educators interested in patient safety, teamwork, and the application of qualitative methods in healthcare settings.

Intended audience: Clinicians, educators, and healthcare professionals interested in improving team-based care, handoffs, and patient safety during hospital ward rounds. Researchers interested in using ethnographic methods for understanding complex phenomena in the real clinical environment.

View archived session video:

DOWNLOAD: PDF handout | Audio only (mp3) | transcript not yet available

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