Is the SBAR tool effective in promoting patient safety when used by doctors and nurses during handover, and are there any factors which affect their ability to use the tool?

Abstract

Background: Handovers are one of the most important processes underpinning safe and effective healthcare, at a time where promoting patient safety has never been more important. Yet, research consistently shows that the process of handover is especially vulnerable to errors in communication, that subsequently result in avoidable patient safety incidents. Consequently, over 20 years ago, the SBAR tool was recommended as a means of reducing communication errors during handover, in order to address this risk to patient safety. However, evidence regarding whether the tool achieves its intended impact as well as the factors that may affect its use, is lacking. This review therefore aimed to address this gap in the evidence base, with a focus on the potential impact of using the SBAR tool for handovers, in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A systemised review was performed, searching the databases PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE using the key terms: nurs*, physician*, structured handovers, SBAR, factors and safety outcomes, as well as synonymous terms. Results: A total of 8 studies were identified as eligible for review, and which focused on a range of different patient safety-related outcomes, as well as the experiences of nurses and physicians when using the tool for handover. Overall, those reporting patient safety-related outcomes reported that the SBAR tool had a positive effect on patient safety, while time and the dynamics of relationships between nurses and doctors were barriers to its use for handovers. Conclusion: The SBAR tool appears to be a flexible and effective tool for reducing errors during handovers, regardless of the care setting or context of handover. There is however an urgent need for future research which better affirms this effect, as well as determining other factors which can affect its implementation.