Abstract
Continuity of patient care in the intensive care unit is dependent on reliable and accurate handover. The introduction of shift working for junior doctors as a result of the working time directive has resulted in a minimum of two handovers between medical staff in each 24-hour period. Structure and method of handover has been shown to critically influence the transfer of clinical information vital to the continuity of patient care. We conducted a telephone survey of the intensive care units in the north-west of England to establish details surrounding the methodology of handovers which are currently being used. We established that handovers in our region are generally occurring in a structured manner, but that the quality of handover, information transmitted and personnel present is varied. We advocate the use of a computer-based handover sheet to increase the accuracy of the handover process.