Handover in physical medicine & rehabilitation: An exploratory survey of Canadian inpatient physiatrists

Background Inadequate physician-to-physician handover is a driver of avoidable adverse patient outcomes. This study explored current physician-to-physician patient handover practices in physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) inpatient units. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to September 2024, targeting Canadian physiatrists (consultants and residents) fluent in English. Questions included handover responsibilities, types of information exchanged, and communication methods used. Results About 48 physiatrists completed the survey, most of whom were consultants practicing in academic inpatient settings. On-call physicians manage between 5 and 540 patients (median 72, interquartile range 54–100). Most PM&R inpatient units (65%) lack a standardized handover process; communication methods for handover vary widely. While respondents preferred handovers for patients with pending investigations, unresolved clinical concerns, or clinical instability, 90% and 65% reported that handovers are not routinely expected on weeknights and weekends, respectively. Conclusions This study highlights significant variability in PM&R handover practices. A disconnect exists between desired and current handover practices, indicating the need to explore improved information transfer and support more effective handover practices that better align with physiatrists’ preferences and recommendations from patient safety organizations and physician regulatory bodies.