What vital signs should be included in a handoff report?

Including all vital signs observed in a handoff report is essential for delivering comprehensive patient information to the receiving medical team. Vital signs—such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and additional assessments like oxygen saturation and capillary refill—provide a complete picture of a patient's current physiological status.

This detailed reporting aids in the continuity of care, ensuring that critical information is conveyed that may influence immediate treatment decisions. Different vital signs can indicate various physiological responses or conditions; for instance, changes in temperature could signal infection, while fluctuations in blood pressure could suggest circulatory issues. Therefore, presenting a complete set of vital signs allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions based on the most accurate and holistic view of the patient's health during the transition of care.