Shift change handovers and subsequent interruptions: potential impacts on quality of care.

Objectives: Two statistical surveys in France revealed both widespread dissatisfaction about shift change handovers and the feeling of being frequently disturbed by interruptions. Shift change handovers (SCHs) are being reduced or eliminated in France to reduce staff costs. The objective of our study is to clarify the consequences of short SCHs on efficiency, team function, and quality of care.

[Participative ergonomics for adapting the working space to meet the needs of nursing staff].

Presst-Next, the European study carried out between 2004 and 2006, highlighted the importance of teamwork in reducing the frequency of professional exhaustion and the early departure of care staff. On the basis of these results, the Armand-Trousseau Hospital in Paris (AP-HP 75) has committed to a participative ergonomics approach at its paediatric emergency service.