Characteristics of questions asked during hospitalist handoffs
| Type of question | Definition | Representative quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Directly related (n=66) 67% | ||
| Clarification (43) | Request for reiteration of information already conveyed in one form | And she’s getting that CT scan today? |
| ‘Next step’ (23) | Higher level request, requiring information synthesis, for information not yet conveyed in any form | Is there any evidence of obstruction? |
| Indirectly related (n=33) 33% | ||
| Systems-based (27) | Questions relating to hospital systems or protocols. | The lab doesn't run these tests on the weekend? |
| Other (6) | Questions unrelated to above categories | |