Abstract: Objective: To analyze the application effect of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in the management of patient preoperative handover and transfer process. Methods: The quality control group found out the main problems existing in the preoperative handover and transfer process and established the SOP project team for the preoperative handover and transfer of surgical patients. Then the team compiled project codes, collected data, drew the preoperative handover and transfer flow chart, used the 4W1H form to formulate the operation steps, drew up an implementation plan, organized the implementation, and evaluated the effect. Results: After the application of SOP, the implementation rate of patient identity confirmation norms and double handover norms increased significantly (P<0.05). The defect rate of preoperative preparation by responsible nurses and the incidence of missing items decreased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: The application of SOP can ensure that all staff involved in this work process standardize their work according to the SOP workbook, avoid wrongly accepting patients for surgery, and ensure patient safety. It also makes sure that the preoperative preparations are complete and items are handed over without missing items. As a result, it improves the quality of work.

Key words: Standard Operating Procedure; preoperative handover and transfer; workflow management; patient identification; preoperative preparation; patient safety