Clinical Practice Radio - Episode 11 - Handovers and Debriefing

In this episode, the team explores two critical but often overlooked parts of pre-hospital care: handovers and debriefing.

They discuss why clear communication shapes patient outcomes, how structured handovers help deliver concise, relevant information, and why preparation and confidence matter in high-pressure environments. The conversation also covers adapting handovers to the patient, setting and receiving team.

They then turn to debriefing, unpacking the value of hot and cold debriefs, constructive feedback, and creating a culture where reflection feels safe and productive.

A practical discussion on how stronger communication before and after every job can improve teamwork, performance and patient care.

References:

• Walker, C. A., McGregor, L., Taylor, C., & Robinson, S. (2020). STOP5: a hot debrief model for resuscitation cases in the emergency department. Clinical and experimental emergency medicine, 7(4), 259–266. https://doi.org/10.15441/ceem.19.086
• The Paramedic Mindset (2024).  Leigh Anderson.
• Think Again (2021).  Adam Grant.

• Wood, K., Crouch, R., Rowland, E., & Pope, C. (2015). Clinical handovers between prehospital and hospital staff: literature review. Emergency Medicine Journal, 32(7), 577-581.