Date of Award
Spring 4-10-2025
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
First Advisor
Sheri Jacobson Phd, RN
Second Advisor
Dawn Harris DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CNL
Abstract
Practice Problem: Clear communication during shift handoffs is crucial to minimize errors and ensure patient safety in intensive care. The current SBAR framework used in the MICU is constrained by limited documentation space, which led to communication inefficiencies and heightened risks for patient care.
PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was: In the NFSG VA MICU, will staff nurses (P) using a revised SBAR communication tool with a checklist (I), compared to the current outdated SBAR tool without a checklist (C), improve the accuracy and completeness of patient handoff communication (O) over eight weeks (T)?
Evidence: The project was guided by evidence demonstrating that standardized communication tools, such as SBAR, enhance information accuracy, reduce handoff errors, and improve patient safety in critical care units. The intervention involved revising the SBAR tool to include a checklist and expanded sections for documentation, followed by staff training and implementation over eight weeks.
Outcome: The results indicated statistically significant improvements in communication effectiveness (77.14% to 100%), tracking of invasive devices (5.71% to 96.78%), and compliance with restraint documentation (6.06% to 90.91%), demonstrating increased staff adherence and reduced handoff errors. The project validated the effectiveness of a structured handoff tool in improving communication accuracy and patient safety.
Conclusion: The successful implementation of the revised SBAR tool highlights the importance of standardized communication strategies in critical care, ensuring sustainability through ongoing staff engagement and quality improvement initiatives.
Recommended Citation
Tompkins, A. L. (2025). Facilitating the Use of SBAR by Nursing Staff for Handoff Communication. [Doctoral project, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences]. SOAR @ USA: Student Scholarly Projects Collection. https:/doi.org/10.46409/sr./QGYH1793
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Scholarly project submitted to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice.