Work completed with Trusts last year led to an evaluation tool for auditing and improving efficiency of clinical meetings (handovers and wards rounds).

It analyses the use of time allocated for ward handovers and the time actually required, as well as whether the essential information about each client is handed over and discussed in order to ensure effective clinical communications.

There is also a benefit in addressing "clinical capacity" - the amount of time available to spend on face to face client care - by improving efficiency of non face to face care activities.

This can also facilitate the development of core standards for handovers and clinical meetings which will support consistency of care.

Audit tool: Latest draft

Contact: nick.adams@wmrdc.org.uk