Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Dec 20, 2024
Date Accepted: May 15, 2025
Technological Solutions to Improve Inpatient Handover in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Scoping Review
ABSTRACT
Background:
Clinical care globally faces increasing strain due to escalating documentation demands. Simultaneously, technological solutions for clinical workflows, particularly inpatient handovers, are being developed to alleviate workforce stress. However, the maturity, adoption scale, and impact of these technologies on clinical practice remain unclear.
Objective:
To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review to summarize current advancements in technological solutions for inpatient handovers.
Methods:
This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework. Publications from January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2024, addressing inpatient handovers, process redesign, and technology integration were retrieved from Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Abstract and full-text screenings were conducted independently by two reviewers, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Data extraction and synthesis were performed by multiple authors and cross-reviewed for accuracy.
Results:
The search identified 779 publications, of which 53 met inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed a predominance of low-complexity technologies, such as electronic checklists, with limited exploration of advanced solutions like natural language processing. Most studies were in the pilot stage (n=33, 62%), while some described documented implementations (n=11, 21%). Reported outcomes included improvements in the completeness, accuracy, and consistency of critical information during patient transfers (n=20, 38%). Challenges included scalability, inconsistent adoption, and difficulties integrating advanced technologies into existing workflows.
Conclusions:
Low-complexity technological solutions show potential for enhancing inpatient handovers but face barriers to scalability and sustained adoption. While artificial intelligence may offer transformative benefits, no studies reported successful clinical implementations to improve handover processes. Clinical Trial: -
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