Collaborative communication: integrating SBAR to improve quality/patient safety outcomes

Creating work environments that sustain open and supportive communication positively influence teamwork, staff satisfaction, and improved patient quality and safety. The Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation (SBAR)-collaborative communication evidence-based practice (EBP) study described in this article introduced collaborative communication integrating SBAR communication process in a pediatrics/perinatal services department of a 271-bed community hospital in northern Arizona. EBP processes framed the study. Evaluation methods for intervention effectiveness and study outcomes integrated both quantitative and qualitative strategies. Staff transferred evidence, knowledge, and skills into practice to achieve enhanced communication, collaboration, satisfaction, and patient safety outcomes meeting the study goal.