The Association of Anaesthetists guidelines state that ‘the anaesthetist must formally hand over care of a patient to a recovery room nurse or other appropriately trained member of staff’.

Handover to recovery staff can be done using criteria from SBAR system for aid:

Situation

• Patient details: name/age/occupation (if relevant)
• Operation type
• Theatre
• Anaesthetic technique

Background

• Medical background
  • ASA grade
  • Allergies
  • Co-morbidities

Assessment

• Intraoperative anaesthetic or surgical concerns relevant to postoperative management plan including
  • Vital signs (A, B, C), blood loss and any cardiovascular support
  • Analgesia (including controlled drugs)
  • Antiemetics
  • IV fluids and blood products
  • Antibiotics
• Any immediate concerns

Recommendation

• Airway management and monitoring needed in recovery
• Prescription charts in use and completeness including analgesia, antiemetics, investigations
• Tubes in and out (hydration, nutrition, and elimination, catheter, etc.)
• Discharge plan (ICU/HDU/extended recovery duration/ward/day case)
• Contact details for queries or problems

While patients remain in the recovery unit there must always be a suitably trained anaesthetist (and surgeon) immediately available within the hospital.

Royal College of Anaesthetists (2022) Anaesthesia Clinical Standards Accreditation: accreditation standards 2022

This guideline has been registered with the trust. However, clinical guidelines are guidelines only. The interpretation and application of clinical guidelines will remain the responsibility of the individual clinician. If in doubt contact a senior colleague or expert. Caution is advised when using guidelines after the review date. This guideline is for use in Frimley Health Trust hospitals only. Any use outside this location will not be supported by the Trust and will be at the risk of the individual using it.