A while back, I wrote a blog post about using SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) as a method to help organize change-of-shift report. First implemented by the U.S. Navy to reduce miscommunications, use of this tool is becoming more widespread in healthcare settings. It has been theorized that the use of a standardized approach such as SBAR creates a “common language” among healthcare professionals and thereby decreases communication errors and may even impact our behavior. A recent study published in Health Care Management Review explored this potential impact of SBAR on the daily activities of nurses.

The researchers interviewed nurses, nurse managers, and doctors in two hospitals where implementation of the SBAR protocol was in its early stages. Analysis of the data revealed two findings: first, that most thought of SBAR as strictly a means of standardizing communication, and second, that SBAR actually had a “more far-reaching effect than just being a communication tool.” 

So what are these “far-reaching effects?”

1. Schema development – SBAR facilitated the development of schemas which help nurses make intuitive decisions.

2. Contribution to the accumulation of social capital – The common language of SBAR serves as a means to integrate nurses into the organization.

3. Providing legitimacy – The common practice also helps individuals gain credibility.

4. Shift in logic – SBAR supports a shift from individual autonomy to standardization and formalization of the nursing profession.

Interesting findings! This fairly simple tool does have far-reaching implications – for our individual practice and our profession. If we communicate more effectively, make decisions more easily, and are integrated into the organization as a credible member of the healthcare team as a nursing professional, won't that ultimately lead to better patient care and outcomes?

Reference: Vardaman, J.M., Cornell, P., Gondo, M.B., Amis, J.M., Towensend-Gervis, M., Thetford, C. (2012). Beyond communication: The role of standardized protocols in a changing health care environment. Health Care Management Review 37(1), 88-97.