Warm Handoff: Intervention

Note: Resources on this page were used in testing the Guide to Improving Patient Safety in Primary Care Settings by Engaging Patients and Families. The materials were improved as a result of the testing process. You can find the final version of the Guide at: https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/reports/engage.html.

Getting Started With Warm Handoff

Warm Handoff Implementation Quick Start Guide: The Quick Start Guide provides clinicians and practice staff with five simple steps for implementing the warm handoff strategy in the office setting. It is available in two sizes for printing – a full-page format or a half-page brochure:

• Warm Handoff webinar recording
• Quick Start Guide Full Page [PDF File, 368 KB]
• Quick Start Guide Brochure [PDF File, 357 KB]

Materials To Support Implementation

For Patients and Families

For Practice Staff and Clinicians

For Clinicians

For Practice Staff

Materials for Teaching and Learning

• Warm Handoff Video

  The Warm Handoff video explains the warm handoff technique. It explains the process and benefits of a warm handoff and demonstrates exemplar warm handoffs in the primary care setting. The video can be used during a staff meeting or morning huddle as a demonstration or a reminder of how to work with patients to improve communication during a transfer.

  • Video
• Webinar - The Warm Handoff Strategy
  • Speakers: Kelly M. Smith, Ph.D.
  • Date: April 19, 2017

Additional AHRQ Materials – Warm Handoff

• Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit, 2nd Edition, Tool 4, Communicate Clearly
• Creating Patient-centered Team-based Primary Care
• TeamSTEPPS for Office-Based Care, Module 3: Communication
• Improving Patient Safety Systems for Patients With Limited English Proficiency, Chapter 3: Improving Team Communication To Foster Safety for LEP Patients: TeamSTEPPS LEP Module