Reaching consensus on the definition of person‐centred handover practices in emergency departments: A modified online Delphi.

CONSENSUS (Social sciences); MEDICAL personnel; INTERPROFESSIONAL relations; MEDICAL care; QUESTIONNAIRES; CONTENT analysis; PEER relations; HOSPITAL emergency services; DECISION making; PATIENT-centered care; SURVEYS; THEMATIC analysis; RESEARCH methodology; COMMUNICATION; QUALITY assurance; DELPHI method; PSYCHOSOCIAL factors; PATIENTS' attitudes

Aim: To reach consensus on the definition and attributes of 'person‐centred handover practices' in emergency departments. Background: Handover practices between emergency care practitioners and healthcare professionals in emergency departments are important and should be conducted meticulously. Person‐centred handover practices may enhance the delivery of person‐centred care in emergency departments. Design: A three‐round online Delphi survey. Methods: Nine experts participated in a three round Delphi survey. The expert panel comprised experts from nine countries. Quantitative data were descriptively analysed, and qualitative data were thematically analysed. A consensus of 80% had to be reached before an attribute and definition could be accepted. Results: Experts reached a consensus of 79% in round one, 95% in round two and 95% in round three. A final set of six attributes were agreed upon and the final concept definition was formulated. Conclusion: Person‐centred handover practices have not been implemented in emergency departments. Yet, person‐centred handover practices may enhance the delivery of person‐centred care, which has multiple benefits for patients and healthcare practitioners. Implications for the profession and/or patient care: Person‐centred care is not generally implemented in emergency departments. Person‐centred handover practices can lead to person‐centred care. Handover practices in emergency departments are a high‐risk activity. Despite numerous calls to standardise and improve handover practices, they remain a problem. Developing a standardised definition could be a first step towards implementing person‐centred handover practices in emergency departments. Reporting method: The study adhered to the relevant EQUATOR reporting guidelines: Guidance on Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies (CREDES) checklist. Impact (Addressing): Improve handover practices and patient care.Improve person‐centred care in emergency departments. Patient or public contribution: Emergency care practitioners and nurses experienced in handover practices and/or person‐centred care, working in clinical and academic fields, participated in the study by sharing their expert knowledge during each of the Delphi rounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]