1. LAILA ABDULLAH ALMHAYSEN - Staff Nurse 1, Out Patient Department, Nursing Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal, Ministry of
National Guard, Eastern Region Dammam.
2. AQILAH MAHDI ALMOHSEN - Staff Nurse 1, Primary Health Care, Nursing Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal, Ministry of
National Guard, Eastern Region Dammam.
3. SUZAN SAUD ALSAEED - Staff Nurse 1, Labor and Delivery Unit, Nursing Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital,
Ministry of National Guard, Estern Region Dammam.
4. EMAN MAKKI ALMOSTAFA - Case Management Nurse, Bed Management Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal, Ministry of
National Guard, Eastern Region Dammam.
5. ALI MOHAMMED HUMMEDI - Supervisor, Anesthesia Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital, Ministry of National Gurad,
Eastern Region, Dammam.
6. YASMEEN ABDRABULSHAHEED ALSUKAIRI - Staff Nurse 1, OR-PACU, Nursing Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital, Minstry of National Guard, Eastern Region Dammam.
7. ATHEER ADEL ALSHEHAB - Staff nurse 1, Nursing Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal, Ministry of National Guard, Eastern
Region Dammam.
8. BASMA ALI ALOBAIDI - Clinical Resource Wound Nurse, Nursing department, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal hospital, Ministry of
National Guard, Eastern Region Dammam.
Background: Nursing handovers are critical for ensuring patient safety, continuity of care, and effective clinical communication. Poorly executed handovers can lead to adverse events due to information loss, communication breakdowns, and reduced situational awareness. This systematic review aimed to explore the relationship between nursing handover quality and patient-related outcomes, with a focus on standardized communication tools, environmental factors, and patient participation. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2012 and 2022. Studies were included if they examined nursing handovers and reported outcomes related to communication quality, patient safety, or clinical errors. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized using qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Most studies demonstrated that high-quality, structured handovers positively influence patient outcomes by improving communication clarity, reducing errors, and enhancing early recognition of clinical deterioration. Tools such as ISBAR and PACT increased the completeness of information exchange. Environmental distractions, inconsistent documentation, and lack of standardization were common barriers. Experienced nurses demonstrated better retention and interpretation of critical cues. Patient participation showed promise but was limited by concerns about confidentiality and workflow disruptions. Conclusion: Effective nursing handovers are essential to patient safety. Standardized communication tools, leadership support, nurse training, and strategies to minimize interruptions are key to improving handover quality. Future efforts should address both systemic and human factors to support sustainable improvements in handover practices.
Nursing Handover, Patient Safety, Communication, Standardization, Bedside Report, ISBAR, Clinical Outcomes.