Policy on Doctors’ Handover in Emergency Department

Al Masarra Hospital

1 - Introduction

The Emergency Department at Al Masarra Hospital (AMH) plays a pivotal role in providing the public with access to acute mental health services for conditions which require psychiatric interventions. These may include attempted suicide, substance abuse, depression, psychosis, violence, or other rapid changes in behaviors. Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) in Al Masarra Hospital provides emergency/urgent walk-in evaluation services 24-hours, 7 days a week with all cases relating to disturbance in mental health are accepted from all over the country. After a systematic triaging of emergency nurses, patients are promptly seen by the psychiatrist. It is significant to develop a structured handover policy towards a smooth transition of patient from emergency department to another unit. Handover refers to the transfer of information from one professional to another during transitions of care.