208 Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Handover Audit Using ‘RAAAIDDSS’ Method

Abstract

Patient handover is vital in ensuring patient safety and quality of patient care, in line with Royal College of Surgeons Guidance of Safe Handover (2007). ‘RAAAIDDSSS’ method stands for resection (surgery), airway, anticoagulant, antibiotics, intake, drain, Doppler, serology, scans, structure (plans). It shows comprehensive clinical updates for planning best management, ensuring smooth flow of activity and reducing morbidity. This method is ideal as our surgical patients often have altered airway anatomy and airway plans and consequently variable feeding routes. To audit the compliance of RAAAIDDSSS method. This is a prospective audit in Head and Neck Surgery Department of University College London Hospital (UCLH), done within 4 weeks across June-July 2023, with sample (n=100) for first cycle and (n=81) for second cycle. The format was implemented in handover sheet and case presentation was run according to this method. First cycle showed good compliance to RAAAIDDSSS handover method. The least compliant component is ‘structure’ which showed only 62%. Results were presented in grand ward round. Second cycle showed significant improvement. Almost all components showed 100% compliance, except for the ‘intake’, which was 90%. Overall shows positive compliance to this handover method. UCLH Head and Neck Surgery has strict compliance with the RAAIDDSSS method. This audit brings significant positive impacts and changes to clinical practice in terms of patient safety, service efficiency and quality of patient care. This audit also holds valuable clinical value and opens doors for further audits as well as project expansion regionally and nationally.