Enhancement of a Standardized Handoff Tool With Automated Key Elements in Oncology Practice to Improve Patient, Provider, and Organizational Outcomes

BACKGROUND: The traditional handoff used at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center was not sensitive to the oncology population, as it was not standardized, lacked automated key elements from electronic health records, and required manual data entry. OBJECTIVES: This project aimed to implement an enhanced automated handoff tool to improve a nonautomated handoff tool used since 2011. METHODS: This quality improvement project incorporated pre- and post-test methodology, educational presentations to licensed independent practitioners, and the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle model. FINDINGS: The implementation of a new automated handoff tool with inclusion of key elements resulted in increased adherence among licensed independent practitioners. The pre- and postimplementation survey results indicated that licensed independent practitioners experienced increased satisfaction with the modified handoff tool.