Which practice best demonstrates continuity of care during patient transfer between units?

• A. Documenting minimal information during transfer.
• B. Initiating a transfer without notifying the receiving team.
• C. Providing a comprehensive, updated handoff including rationale for plan and risks.
• D. Replacing care team at the last moment.

Answer: (C)

Continuity of care during patient transfer hinges on thorough handoff communication that passes current status, plan, and risks to the next care team. Providing a comprehensive, updated handoff including rationale for the plan and recognized risks ensures the receiving unit has all essential information to safely continue care. It communicates why specific actions are being taken, what complications to monitor for, and what follow-up is needed, so responsibility and accountability transfer smoothly and patient safety is maintained. In contrast, handing off with only minimal information, initiating the transfer without informing the receiving team, or replacing the entire team at the last moment can create gaps in understanding, delays in care, and opportunities for error.