Warm handoff

A warm handoff includes provider-to-provider communication (ie, phone, email, fax, other electronic communication process) to share the discharge summary, family health history, and their treatment needs. This transparent communication allows families to hear/know what is said, giving them the opportunity to clarify or correct information or ask questions about their care.

While warm handoffs are preferred when working with infants and families exposed to opioids prenatally, some practices may be limited in providing a warm handoff to early intervention, pediatric specialist/subspecialists, adult mental health, or other community supports and services.