Handover is described as “the transfer of professional responsibility and accountability for some or all aspects of care for a patient, or group of patients, to another person or professional group on a temporary or permanent basis” (National Patient Safety Agency).

Handover is one of the most important procedures in healthcare, if carried out improperly it can be a major contributory factor to subsequent error and harm to patients. Gaps in information during handover can lead to mistakes being made, including delayed decisions related to care, repeated investigations, incorrect diagnoses or even incorrect treatment.