IPASS: a formalized handoff process
The panelists all spoke highly of a formalized handoff process known as IPASS. This acronym reminds physicians to ask specific questions.
The I represents illness severity and calls for asking: “Is the patient stable or unstable?
The P stands for patient summary and is meant to prompt physicians to seek details about the procedure.
The A is for action list, which is meant to remind the physician to get the post-op plan for neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and other areas.
The first S is for situational awareness, and calls for asking: What is the biggest concern over the next 24 hours?
The final S represents synthesis by the receiver, prompting a physician to summarize the information he or she has received about the patient.
Natalie Margules, MD, a clinical instructor and hospitalist at Jefferson who did not present in the session, reiterated the value of the IPASS system. Before it was used for handoffs, she said, “I was never taught anything formalized – basically, just ‘Tell them what’s important.’
Dr. Margules noted that she considers the framework’s call for the synthesis to be one of it most useful parts.
Dr. Merli, Dr. Ackermann, and Dr. Cohen reported no relevant financial disclosures.