Effective Communication for Improved Outcomes in Healthcare - Essay Sample

Introduction

Communication is critical in any healthcare setting, and the degree of effectiveness highly dictates the outcomes expected in various interventions and units. Patients are subject to multiple individuals within the healthcare system, thus prioritizing a smooth transitioning of their information from one person to another. Poor communication has evolved to become a sentinel event that causes an increase in morbidity as well as mortality (Achrekar, Murthy, Kanan, Shetty, Nair & Khattry, 2016). This can be rectified by utilizing a best practice and evidence-based practice, which is the situation background assessment recommendation (SBAR) tool that allows for the concise organization of information as well as collaborative communication.

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The situation background assessment recommendation (SBAR) is a tool that provides a framework that enables a nurse to record the situation they are faced with by identifying themselves, their unit, patient information and a brief description of the situation. The patient background is also provided, including every detail about their admission, their prevailing condition, vital signs, and other information. The nurse can also submit their assessment and recommendation (institute for healthcare improvement, 2017). This tool, therefore, eliminates the miscommunications or distortion of patient's information that often arises from handout during shifts. A nurse could also communicate with a doctor using this tool and provide all the relevant information that can lead to a timely diagnosis or treatment of a condition. A study considered 26 patient outcomes regarding the use of SBAR, and these eight improved significantly, eleven were improving, and six were constant while one study showed a reduction in patient outcomes (Muller, Jurgens, Redaelli, Klingberg, Hautz & Stock, 2018). The anticipated results for this tool include the organizing of patient information in a logical and organized manner, a higher level of understanding and awareness by both sender and receiver of the information, and reduces hierarchical inhibitions among others.

Implementing SBAR, like implementing any other intervention, requires a prepared mindset. Nurses must hence be taken through a series of training to make them accept the value of the tool as well as master the techniques behind its utility. Resistance is anticipated, more so to physicians who value their hierarchical positions. However, emphasizing the needs of the patients as a priority, and highlighting the various aspects of the tool that can improve their welfare will tear down the resistance.

References

Achrekar M. S., Murthy V., Kanan S., Shetty R., Nair M. & Khattry N. (2016). Introduction of Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation into Nursing Practice: A Prospective Study. Asia Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing. 3(1). Pp. 45-50. Doi: 10.4103/2347-5625.178171

Institute for healthcare improvement (2017). SBAR: Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation. Pp. 1-5. Retrieved from https://www.lsqin.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SBAR

TechniqueforCommunication.pdfMuller, M., Jurgens, J., Redaelli, M., Klingberg, K., Hautz, W. E., & Stock, S. (2018). Impact of the communication and patient hand-off tool SBAR on patient safety: a systematic review. BMJ open, 8(8), e022202. Doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022202