SBAR: a shared mental model for improving communication between clinicians.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare communication strategies
• Patient safety initiatives
• Clinical workflow optimization

Background:

• Effective communication is crucial for patient safety.
• A common mental model facilitates clear communication.
• The Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation (SBAR) tool was identified as a key communication strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate the use of the SBAR communication tool at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center.
• To improve the sharing of a common mental model among healthcare professionals.
• To enhance patient safety through standardized communication.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative approach was initiated to implement the SBAR tool.
• Education on SBAR was integrated into team resource management training and general orientation.
• Supportive tools such as pocket cards and posted "cheat sheets" were provided.
• SBAR was adopted as the standard communication methodology across all reporting levels.

Main Results:

• Healthcare staff adapted quickly to using the SBAR tool.
• Initial hesitancy was observed regarding the "recommendation" component of SBAR.
• Medical staff were encouraged to actively listen for and prompt the "recommendation" if not initially provided.

Conclusions:

• The implementation of the SBAR tool was successful in standardizing communication.
• SBAR adoption facilitated a more common mental model among staff.
• Ongoing reinforcement is necessary to ensure full utilization of all SBAR components, particularly recommendations.