Improving Provider-to-Provider Communication: Evaluation of a Computerized Inpatient Sign-out Tool

Abstract

Physicians’ use of a computerized inpatient sign-out tool has been shown to reduce the risk of preventable adverse events. The researcher evaluated sign-out software usage at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in order to understand user behavior and identify software enhancements. To accomplish these goals, the researcher created software to record sign-out data, determined descriptive statistics of software utilization, collected feedback from users regarding new software enhancements, and analyzed the content produced by sign-out tool users. Results included the identification of unanticipated software usage by non-providers, different use patterns across hospital units/services, and a variety of discipline-specific sign-out note styles. These results combined with a comparison to the literature’s recommendations guided the design specification for new sign-out software. Further study is required to determine relevant outcome measures related to both the sign-out process and the impact of sign-out software.