Practices of nurses on handing over patients' reports in a Gauteng Tertiary Hospital: A quantitative study

Abstract

Effective handover of patient reports is essential for continuity of care and patient safety. Inadequate handover contributes to medical errors, treatment delays and adverse patient outcomes. This study examined preparation practices for patient reports among nurses at a tertiary hospital in Gauteng Province. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design provided a snapshot of prevailing practices. From a population of 1,010 nurses involved in handover, a convenience sample of 340 participants was recruited. Data were collected using structured, self-administered questionnaires assessing adherence to standard operating procedures, checklist utilisation, communication quality and years of clinical experience. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation were computed using SPSS version 29.0. Of the 340 respondents, 261 (76.8%) demonstrated suboptimal handover practices. Frequently identified deficiencies included deviation from established procedures, minimal use of checklists, incomplete documentation and poorly structured verbal communication. A weak, negative statistically significant correlation was observed between years of experience and handover scores (p = 0.049). Findings indicate that inadequate handover is widespread and largely attributable to organisational and system-level determinants rather than individual shortcomings. To improve patient safety and care continuity, institutions should implement standardised handover protocols, deliver competency-based training and promote a culture of structured communication.