To prevent overlooking allergies during shift changes, what practice should be included in handoffs?

• A. Including allergy information in handoffs
• B. Relying on memory
• C. Skipping handoffs
• D. Not documenting allergies

Answer: (A)

Clear, complete communication during shift changes is essential for patient safety. Allergies are high-risk information that must be shared rather than relied on memory. By including allergy information in handoffs, the incoming caregiver immediately sees the patient’s known allergies, guiding safe medication choices, treatments, and patient education across the entire care transition. This creates a persistent, documented record that travels with the patient and supports accountability and the ethical and legal obligation to do no harm. Relying on memory is prone to error, and skipping handoffs or failing to document allergies breaks continuity of care and can lead to unintended harm; including allergy information in handoffs directly prevents those risks.