There is growing literature studying the role of perioperative handoffs. This has included efforts to understand the extent to which the occurrence of an intraoperative handoff itself is helpful or harmful, interventions to improve handoffs when they occur, and protocols for the transition of a patient to a different care setting (e.g., PACU or ICU) (Anesth Analg 2021;132:1559-62; Crit Care Med 2018;46:1863-4; Br J Anaesth 2021;127:830-3; BMJ Qual Saf 2021;30:513-24). The conversation on this topic has persisted for decades, and it likely would not take long to find a perioperative clinician with an opinion on the matter. It is valuable that work on handoffs continues to be done and adds valuable insight.
As the concept of perioperative handoffs represents a broad range of care areas and practices, the literature varies based on the specific question asked. In a systematic review of intraoperative anesthesia handoffs and...
