NHS Improvement: Implementing huddles and handovers — a framework for practice in maternity units (25 March 2019)

Summary

This framework from NHS Improvement provides a structure for maternity units to create and develop their own approach to effectively communicating clinical data and transferring key safety information. It is intended as a good practice guide for healthcare professionals involved in the care of pregnant women and their infants, regardless of the nature of the unit they work in or whether it is in the community or a hospital. It recognises that each unit will have its own culture and ways of working.

Content

Key learning points

• The difference between handovers and huddles.
• Benefits of effective clinical handovers and the role of huddles in promoting safety.
• Top tips for implementing huddles.
• Standardising handovers and huddles.