Exploring bias in handover: a free learning resource

Summary

This short film shows a fictional scenario of a handover between two healthcare workers. It has been created by Patient Safety Learning to help facilitate a group discussion around bias. Please read the guidance below (and attached) when using this within your teams.

Content

How to use this resource: exploring bias in handover

This short video is designed to help you recognise how biases can influence clinical handovers and, ultimately, patient safety. It works best as a group learning activity.

Step 1: Watch the video

Watch the handover between Celia and Doreen all the way through once without interruption.

As you watch, think about:

• What information is emphasised or dismissed.
• How decisions are explained.
• Whether anything feels “off” or incomplete.

Or:

Play “Bias Bingo”.

Before watching again, either individually or in small groups, use a simple “bias bingo” card (you can create one using common biases such as confirmation bias, anchoring bias, etc.).

Your task:

• Spot where different biases occur in the handover.
• Tick them off as you notice them.
• Note down the exact words or behaviours that suggest the bias.

You may spot more than one bias in a single patient discussion.

Step 2: Group discussion

In small groups, discuss:

• Which biases did you identify?
• Did everyone spot the same ones?
• Where did opinions differ?
• How might these biases affect patient care or outcomes?

Encourage open discussion—there are no “trick answers”.

Step 3: Feed Back

The group feeds back:

• One example of a bias they identified.
• Why they think it is that bias.
• What the potential risk to the patient could be.
• Have you seen similar situations in real handovers?
• What strategies could reduce bias? (e.g. structured handovers, questioning assumptions, using checklists).
• What would you do differently in Doreen’s position?

Share your feedback

If you use this resource, we'd love to hear from you. Was it useful? Did anything in the discussion surprise you or spark wider action? Please comment below or get in touch with us at [email protected].  

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