Which of the following best defines the concept of a 'handoff report'?

A handoff report is best defined as a formal method of transferring patient information from one caregiver to another. This process is critical in healthcare settings as it ensures that important details regarding a patient's status, treatment plans, and ongoing care are communicated effectively. A handoff report typically includes information such as the patient's medical history, current condition, medications, and any changes that occurred during the previous shift. This structured exchange helps to maintain continuity of care, minimize the risk of errors, and ensures that all team members remain informed about the patient's needs.

The other options involve important aspects of patient care but do not accurately encapsulate the concept of a handoff report. Continuous health monitoring pertains to ongoing assessment rather than information transfer; documentation of medications focuses specifically on what has been administered, rather than the broader context of patient care. Charting changes in treatment plans is about recording modifications in a patient’s care, which is also part of care continuity but does not specifically represent the process of transferring information during a shift change.