Nurses' perceptions of patient handoffs and predictors of patient handoff perceptions in tertiary care hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To study nurses' perceptions of patient handoffs in tertiary care hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia, and to identify predictors of these perceptions.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Three tertiary care hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia, February-March 2023.

Participants: The study's inclusion criteria were nurses who were Malaysian citizens, working in shifts and possessing a minimum of 6 months of work experience. Nurses holding administrative positions and those unavailable during the study period were excluded from participation. A stratified proportionate random sampling method was employed, and a 100% response rate was achieved, with all 418 selected nurses participating in the study.

Outcome Measures: Nurses' perceptions of patient handoffs were assessed using the validated Hospital Patient Handoff Questionnaire. Predictors of these perceptions were identified through multiple linear regression analysis.

Results: The study revealed an overall positive perception of handoffs, with a mean score of 3.5 on a 1-5 scale. Receiving formal in-service training on handoff practices (regression coefficient 0.089, 95% CI: 0.016 to 0.161) and expressing satisfaction with the handoff process (regression coefficient 0.330, 95% CI: 0.234 to 0.425) were positively associated with nurses' perceptions. Working in the paediatric department was associated with a lower perception of handoffs (regression coefficient -0.124, 95% CI: -0.195 to -0.053).

Conclusions: Formal in-service training, satisfaction and working in the paediatric department were significantly associated with nurses' perceptions of patient handoffs in Kelantan. These findings suggest the need for tailored interventions to improve handoff processes and enhance patient safety. Further research could explore the effectiveness of specific training programmes targeting these identified predictors.