ABSTRACT
Objective:
To analyze the meanings built by the nursing team regarding communication at shift handover in intensive care units.
Method:
A qualitative study, grounded on the theoretical framework of Berlo, was developed in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Rio de Janeiro with the nursing team participating in the handover process or working with patient care. Observation and interviews were conducted, with a thorough description of the data and thematic content analysis.
Results:
There is acknowledgment of the meaning of handover in nursing care, which is expressed in behaviors aimed at avoiding inefficacy or the incorrect perception of communication; on the other hand, there is little participation of nursing technicians, with side talks, lack of attention and incomplete information, which compromises their effectiveness.
Conclusion:
Professionals should understand their role in the communication process by playing it with active participation to reduce handover noises.
Keywords:
Patient handoff; Critical care; Communication; Nursing