I PASS the BATON is used for handoffs in healthcare transitions. Which is the first element?

• A. Introduction
• B. Patient
• C. Assessment
• D. Situation

Answer: (A)

In a structured handoff, the first step is Introduction. This opening sets the stage by having the person handing off introduce themselves and their role, and by clearly identifying the patient being discussed. Establishing who is speaking and which patient is being handed off creates a shared starting point, reduces confusion, and builds accountability so the receiving clinician knows exactly who is providing the information. Once the introduction is established, the handoff proceeds in a consistent flow (patient details, assessment, current situation, and safety considerations), helping ensure critical information isn’t missed.