Nursing Handoffs and Documentation Practices among Nurses in a Doh-Retained Level 2 Hospital

Abstract

Effective nursing handoff communication and accurate documentation are essential for ensuring safe and continuous patient care in hospital settings. Despite their importance, limited local studies have examined the relationship between these two practices among nurses in DOH-retained hospitals. This quantitative study employed a descriptive–correlational research design to determine the level of nursing handoff communication and nursing documentation practices and to examine their relationship among nurses in a DOH-retained Level 2 hospital. Data were collected from 205 nurses using adopted standardized questionnaires on nursing handoff communication and nursing documentation practices. Findings revealed that nursing handoff communication was rated at a very high level across its dimensions, while nursing documentation practice was generally good. Profile variables were not significantly related to documentation practice, while current position and work schedule showed significant associations with handoff communication. A significant positive relationship was also found between nursing handoff communication and nursing documentation practices. The study concludes that effective handoff communication supports stronger documentation practices, contributing to continuity of care and patient safety. Strengthening structured communication and reinforcing standardized documentation practices are recommended to sustain quality nursing care in hospital settings.