Understanding Nurses to SBAR

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 42 views

Patient Safety and Effective Communication: The Importance of SBAR Method in Handover

Patient safety is a top priority in hospitals, and one way to achieve this is to improve the quality of communication, especially in the process of Handover or the patient's handover. SBAR methods (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) are considered effective in increasing the clarity and accuracy of the information submitted. This study aims to understand the experience of nurses in applying the SBAR communication method during Handover at Dr. Pirngadi Medan City in 2020.

Methodology

This study uses a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling by involving nurses who have direct experience in applying SBAR during Handover. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and observations, then analyzed using the ColaIZZI method.

Results

The results revealed the six main themes:

Understanding Nurses to SBAR

Research shows that most nurses understand the concepts and components of SBAR. They are able to explain every part of this method, such as Situation (current patient's condition), Background (patient's medical history), Assessment (patient's current status), and Recommendation (suggested actions). However, some nurses still cannot distinguish SBAR components in detail.

The Stages of the Application of SBAR in Handover

The nurses have applied the SBAR method for Handover. They generally use three main stages of SBAR namely Situation, Background, and Assessment. Nevertheless, the recommendation stage is still rarely applied consistently in handover.

Benefits of SBAR in Handover

They considered SBAR to help them convey information more structured and efficiently, thereby reducing the potential error in understanding the patient's condition. This also makes it easier for nurses to provide relevant information and help in making appropriate decisions.

Challenges in Implementing SBAR

First, some nurses still cannot distinguish SBAR components in detail. Second, the lack of socialization and training on SBAR in Handover in the hospital becomes an obstacle in the implementation of this method.

Adapting SBAR to Meet the Needs of the Field

The nurses have tried to adapt the SBAR method in accordance with the needs in the field. They make modifications in the use of SBAR, such as adjusting it to the type of patient and special conditions.

Hopes for the Application of SBAR

Nurse hopes that Dr. Pirngadi Medan City can be more serious in implementing SBAR. They want a more intensive and sustainable socialization and training program to increase knowledge and skills in using SBAR during Handover.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that the SBAR communication method has been implemented in Dr. Pirngadi City of Medan, but still requires improvement. To improve the quality of communication Handover and achieve patient safety goals, hospitals need to provide regular socialization and training about the SBAR method to all nursing staff.

Implications for Practice

By increasing the understanding and application of SBAR, hospitals can create a more effective and structured communication system, so as to improve patient safety and achieve optimal health service standards.

Limitations of the Study

This study has some limitations. The sample size is relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single hospital. Future studies should aim to replicate this study in other hospitals and with a larger sample size.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of SBAR in improving patient safety and reducing medical errors. Additionally, studies should investigate the impact of SBAR on nurse communication and teamwork.

Recommendations for Hospitals

Hospitals should provide regular socialization and training about the SBAR method to all nursing staff. They should also establish a system to monitor and evaluate the implementation of SBAR in Handover.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of SBAR method in improving the quality of communication Handover and achieving patient safety goals. By increasing the understanding and application of SBAR, hospitals can create a more effective and structured communication system, so as to improve patient safety and achieve optimal health service standards.

What is SBAR Method?

SBAR is a communication method that stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. It is a structured approach to conveying information in a clear and concise manner, particularly in high-pressure situations such as handover.

Why is SBAR Method Important in Handover?

SBAR method is important in handover because it helps to ensure that critical information is conveyed accurately and efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and improving patient safety.

What are the Key Components of SBAR Method?

The key components of SBAR method are:

Situation: This refers to the current patient's condition, including any relevant medical history or allergies.
Background: This refers to the patient's medical history, including any previous treatments or conditions.
Assessment: This refers to the patient's current status, including any relevant test results or observations.
Recommendation: This refers to the suggested actions or treatments for the patient.

How Can SBAR Method be Implemented in Handover?

SBAR method can be implemented in handover by following these steps:

Situation: Clearly state the patient's current condition, including any relevant medical history or allergies.
Background: Provide a brief summary of the patient's medical history, including any previous treatments or conditions.
Assessment: Describe the patient's current status, including any relevant test results or observations.
Recommendation: Suggest any necessary actions or treatments for the patient.

What are the Benefits of SBAR Method in Handover?

The benefits of SBAR method in handover include:

Improved communication: SBAR method helps to ensure that critical information is conveyed accurately and efficiently.
Reduced errors: SBAR method reduces the risk of errors by providing a structured approach to conveying information.
Improved patient safety: SBAR method helps to ensure that patients receive the best possible care by providing a clear and concise summary of their condition.

What are the Challenges of Implementing SBAR Method in Handover?

The challenges of implementing SBAR method in handover include:

Lack of training: Some healthcare professionals may not be familiar with SBAR method or may not have received adequate training.
Resistance to change: Some healthcare professionals may be resistant to changing their communication style or may not see the value in using SBAR method.
Time constraints: Handover can be a busy and time-pressured process, making it difficult to implement SBAR method.

How Can SBAR Method be Improved in Handover?

SBAR method can be improved in handover by:

Providing regular training: Healthcare professionals should receive regular training on SBAR method to ensure that they are familiar with the approach.
Encouraging feedback: Healthcare professionals should be encouraged to provide feedback on the effectiveness of SBAR method in handover.
Monitoring and evaluating: The effectiveness of SBAR method in handover should be regularly monitored and evaluated to identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SBAR method is an important tool for improving communication in handover. By following the key components of SBAR method and implementing it in handover, healthcare professionals can improve patient safety and reduce the risk of errors. However, there are challenges to implementing SBAR method, and healthcare professionals should be aware of these challenges and work to overcome them.