Frequently Asked Questions

What is a HATRICC?

HATRICC stands for Handoffs And Transitions in Critical Care, and is pronounced "hat trick." Just like a hat trick in soccer, hockey, or cricket, our study has 3 goals.

When does the study start and end?

Data collection will began on July 1, 2014. The study officially ended on June 30, 2016, but we continue to collect data on sustainability.

WHAT PHASE IS HATRICC CURRENTLY CONDUCTING?

Phase 4 of 3! We completed Phase 3, but we are still collecting data to help understand how to sustain the improvement we've seen. We are also interested in figuring out how to provide clinicians with real-time feedback. 

What about ICU-to-OR handoffs, or OR-to-PACU handoffs?

We are interested in improving communication during all perioperative handoffs, but chose to focus on OR-to-ICU handoffs at first because most of the pre-existing literature on perioperative handoffs for critically ill patients focuses on this transition.

Who is funding this study?

The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation, a non-profit group committed to perioperative patient safety, funded this study through a career development award to the study PI.

Is the study IRB approved?

Yes, the Institutional Review Board at the University of Pennsylvania has reviewed and approved this study (see "Regulatory" link).