4.1 Why Shift/Task Turnover is important

1. Data show that poor shift/task turnover is a common contributing factor to events.
   
   
2. Challenges related to shift/task turnover include:
   
   
   1. High demand for teamwork and interpersonal communication skills.
      
      
   2. Need for structured and standardized policies and procedures.
      
      
   3. Using a location that is conducive for discussion and planning.
      
      
   4. Ineffective verbal and written communication.
      
      
   5. Finishing workers are tired and want to depart facility.
      
      
   6. Lack of adequate shift overlap to provide time to give one-on-one briefings between the team leaving and the team coming on.
      
      
   7. Absence of a process to ensure departing personnel have documented all tasks accomplished or started.
      
      
   8. Minimal training on procedures for shift/task turnover.
      
      
3. High-quality shift/task turnover procedures enable improvement in practice and improve safety and accountability to all involved in the work.
   
   
4. Most NAAs have regulations that require a formal process for shift turnover.