Safe Hands - Facilitators and barriers to seamless cross-sectoral handovers of adult somatic patients: A scoping review

Introduction:<br/>There is a substantial body of research on best practices for seamless handovers, but few overviews highlight the most valuable evidence for implementation. In modern healthcare systems, patient handovers between sectors occur, making seamless handovers increasingly important. Scientific literature emphasizes information sharing, patient involvement, and interpersonal relations as essential to seamless handovers, yet knowledge of facilitators and barriers remains limited. This review provides an overview of literature on barriers and facilitators to seamless handovers of adult somatic patients, focusing on patient involvement, information sharing, and interpersonal relations.<br/>Methods:<br/>The searches were limited to literature from 2014 onwards, in English and Scandinavian. The search strategy was applied to MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, and Global Health. Supplementary searches were conducted in Scopus and Google Scholar. NKG and EBN performed title/abstract screening, while NKG, EBN, and JL carried out full-text screening to determine eligibility. All articles were independently assessed. Data from eligible articles were extracted and charted, documenting barriers and facilitators identified. The extraction consists of text excerpts (wording from the articles). Extracted data will be analyzed using a qualitative thematic analysis by Braun &amp; Clarke (2006). Results will be presented using tables and conceptual maps.<br/>Results:<br/>As preliminary results, this review includes 24 articles and highlights a significant gap in the literature, particularly on patient involvement and interpersonal relations. Information sharing, interpersonal relations, and patient involvement are key facilitators, offering opportunities to develop seamless handovers. Barriers and facilitators related to the three key terms will be presented at WONCA 2025.