Innovative web-based tool for safer transitions of patients through healthcare systems

Improved quality and safety of care and patient satisfaction can be achieved with structured inter-unit and inter-setting communication with computers. Presented here is a new tool designed to implement a web-based innovative transitions improvement process for creation of situation-aware teams to monitor quality of transitions. The tool is designed to promote the competencies of practice-based learning and improvement, and systems-based practice, as well as the development of a context-sensitive culture of safety. The system is based on visual workflow models of the entities and interactions necessary for reliable and timely transitions from or to any setting. In pilot studies the tool has been well received by staff who found it to be intuitive and user-friendly. We propose that healthcare teams tailor the tool for their unique setting, and continually improve it based on internal evaluation and feedback.