Evaluation of the Handover Training Program Given to Nursing Students Using the Kirkpatrick Model: A Quasi-Experimental Observational Study

Background: Patient handover training given to nursing students is important to ensure patient safety. There are a variety of evaluation models that can be used to evaluate the impact of education in nursing, one of which is the Kirkpatrick model. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the patient handover training given to nursing students according to the Kirkpatrick model. Methods: A pretest and posttest design was used with a convenience sample of 33 nursing students. The training provided was evaluated according to the reaction, learning, behavior, and result levels of the Kirkpatrick model. In the study, data were collected by researchers observing students through face-to-face interactions and bedside observations using Handoff Evaluation Scale (Handoff CEX). Results: It was found that 42.1% of the nursing students practiced verbal, 19.7% taped, and 36.8% bedside handovers before the training, while all the students practiced taped, verbal, and bedside handovers after the training. While the mean (SD) scores of patient handover (2.87 [0.95]) were at an insufficient level before the training, the scores after the training (7.12 [1.06]) increased to a high level. The difference between the mean patient handover scores before and after the training was statistically significant ( P < .001). Conclusions: After the training provided in the study, it was observed that nursing students improved their patient handover levels and styles, handover participation, and information transfer. Patient handover training given to undergraduate student nurses can be evaluated using the Kirkpatrick model.