Evaluation of the Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation Handover Tool in Improving Communication and Satisfaction Among Jordanian Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Background The SBAR (situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) is a standardized handover tool that has been utilized in health care settings. It has positive impacts on staff communication and patient quality of care. In Jordan, few reports are available about handover tools' impacts. Purpose To evaluate the implementation of the SBAR among nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) in Jordan. Methods A pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design was used. A convenience sample of 71 ICU nurses participated. The 43-item ICU physician-nurse questionnaire was used to measure SBAR effectiveness as measured by the following subscales: general relationship and communication, teamwork and leadership, and job satisfaction. Results There was a significant improvement in posttest knowledge scores and in “general relationships and communication” and “satisfaction” scores. There was a significant improvement in both “general relationships and communication” and “satisfaction” posttest scores compared with their pretest scores (t = 16.709, 2.656; P < .001, P < .01) consecutively. Conclusions This study revealed a strong indicator to encourage the SBAR utilization among nurses in health care settings. The SBAR has a positive impact on enhancing communication between nurses and increasing their job satisfaction. Thus, the utilization of such a standardized tool that maintains and assures good communication relationships shall increase level of satisfaction. Future studies are recommended to provide further evidence on its feasibility and efficacy as compared with traditional handover tools and among different health care contexts.

Instruction Program for Nurses Knowledge about Applying the Communication Strategies (SBAR) in Critical Care Units

“…SBAR effectiveness was examine using the 43-item ICU physician-nurse questionnaire, which included subscales for general relationship and communication, teamwork and leadership, and job satisfaction. The finding indicate that there was a significant improvement in posttest knowledge scores [13] . (Jiang et al 2020) stated their study that conduct in hospital in Guangzhou research subjects were 100 clinical nurses.…”

“…The effectiveness of program was clear improved the practical knowledge of nurses regarding communication strategy which of their level was moderate at pretest then improved to high level and the result revealed that were high statistically significant differences between the pre-test and the post-test at (p<0.05). (Dalky et al 2020) conducted a quasi-experimental approach with a pretest-posttest was adopted. 71 ICU nurses took part in the study as a convenience sample.…”

Impact of Structured Clinical Handover Protocol on Communication and Patient Satisfaction

“…The result of the study conducted by Abela et al showed that the structure of handover procedures and the use of the SBAR tool can improve the impact of handover and staff satisfaction. Satisfaction regarding the information received during handover increased from 34% to 41% (19). In the result of the study conducted by Fabila et al, recipients' perception about the new handover protocol indicated improvement in information adequacy and clearness, decrease errors, and lesser inconsistencies in the patient described in the new procedure (18,19).…”

Effect of a Simulation-Based Handover Education Program for Nursing Students: A Quasi-Experimental Design

“…Handover is a communication process among nurses that involves conveying patient information and is important in ensuring quality and continuity of nursing care [1,2]. Accurate and comprehensive handover helps nurses sufficiently understand patient needs and increases the stability and efficacy of nursing; it also has a positive impact on nurses' job satisfaction and enhancing their expertise [3]. Accurate handovers help reduce errors and enable nurses who lack clinical experience to improve by receiving suggestions from advanced nurses [4].…”