Authors

  1. Ardoin, Katherine B. MSN, RN, CNE
  2. Broussard, Lisa DNS, RN, CNE

Abstract

Healthcare systems are seeking assistance from other well-known industries for a solution to issues related to handoff communication, the system for relaying patient information from one caregiver to another. Although the handoff should provide accurate information about a patient's care, treatment, services, and condition, inconsistencies in communication among practitioners exist. This lack of consistent messages prompted staff development nurses in a community hospital to introduce the SBAR process (situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) as the standard for handoff communication to reduce errors and improve patient safety.