Shaping Safer ICU Admissions: A Systematic Literature Review of Nurse-Led Collaborative Handover Innovations in Critical Care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31154/isc12.v12i1.44.9-17Keywords:
ICU Admission, Nurse-Led Collaboration, Critical Care HandoverAbstract
This systematic literature review aimed to explore nurse-led collaborative handover innovations shaping safer ICU admissions. Guided by the Xiao and Watson (2019) systematic review framework, this study analyzed 15 articles published between 2020 and 2025. Studies were sourced from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science using predefined keywords such as “ICU admission,” “nurse-led handover,” “collaborative communication,” and “critical care safety” to ensure relevance, followed by a rigorous screening for credibility and quality. Findings revealed that longer handovers exceeding two minutes were associated with more complete information transfer, while time pressures and interruptions posed safety risks. Structured communication tools, including SBAR checklists and validated multi-item handover instruments, effectively reduced omissions and improved patient safety. Electronic Nursing Handover Systems (ENHS) and electronic checklists significantly enhanced efficiency and reduced clinical errors compared to paper-based methods. Themes emphasized the importance of transitioning handovers from life-saving to rehabilitative care to ensure continuity and safety. Standardized protocols reduced technical errors and omissions in OR-to-ICU transfers, while co-designed visual tools enhanced reporting in resource-limited settings. However, barriers such as high expectations, unilateral communication, staffing shortages, lack of standardized protocols, and inadequate management support continued to challenge handover effectiveness. Organizational factors, including ICU bed availability, staff experience, transfer networks, and hospital policies, further influenced admission decisions and handover practices. Overall, this review underscores the critical need for integrated structured communication tools and organizational support to optimize nurse-led collaborative handover innovations for safer ICU admissions.
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