What should be included in a shift change report?

A shift change report is designed to communicate critical information clearly and effectively between outgoing and incoming shifts. The purpose is to ensure continuity of service and maintain operational efficiency.

Including relevant incidents in a shift change report is essential because it provides the incoming team with updates on any significant occurrences during the previous shift. This could involve incidents involving safety, security, or service issues that need immediate attention or follow-up. By highlighting these incidents, the incoming shift can be adequately informed and prepared to handle ongoing situations or to take necessary actions based on previous events.

While upcoming events and managerial updates can be useful, they do not capture the immediate concerns and situational awareness required for staff transitioning between shifts. Personal opinions are also not pertinent to a professional and factual shift change report, as they may lead to confusion or miscommunication. Therefore, focusing on relevant incidents ensures that crucial information is prioritized and communicated effectively between shifts.