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. 2025 Jan;34(1):117-127.
doi: 10.1111/jocn.17537. Epub 2024 Nov 11.

Using 'Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation' Method in Palliative Care to Enhance Handover Quality and Nursing Practice: A Mix Method Study

Floriana Pinto  1 , Pasquale Roberto  1 , Lucrezia Ferrario  2 , Laura Marotta  1 , Doriana Montani  3 , Gaetano Auletta  3 , Laura Zoppini  1 , Emanuela Foglia  2
Affiliations

Using 'Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation' Method in Palliative Care to Enhance Handover Quality and Nursing Practice: A Mix Method Study

Floriana Pinto et al. J Clin Nurs. 2025 Jan.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the impact of using 'Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation' method ('SBAR') in a palliative care setting.

Background: Effective handover communication is crucial for patient safety. Standardised communication tools, such as the SBAR method, are recommended to reduce errors and improve care coordination, but their use in palliative care is not investigated.

Design: Mixed method study design, adhering to the GRAMMS guideline.

Methods: From January to October 2021, a SBAR guide tailored for palliative care was developed using the Delphi method and implemented in a Hospice setting. Data on 150 nurse handovers were collected before and after implementation to assess changes in nursing outcomes, including medication errors, adverse events and the identification of psychological and spiritual needs. Nurses' perceptions on the handover process were gathered through a qualitative survey.

Results: The SBAR guide significantly improved the handovers quality, reducing medication errors and eliminating adverse events postimplementation. The identification of psychological and spiritual needs increased during postimplementation period. Nurses also reported improved clarity, accuracy and completeness of information during handover.

Conclusion: This is the first study to evaluate the impact of SBAR for handover in palliative nursing care. Findings show the added value of using communication tools.

Keywords: Situation‐Background‐Assessment‐Recommendation; communication tool; handoff; handover; mixed method; nursing care; nursing handover; palliative care.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
‘Situation‐Background‐Assessment‐Recommendation’ (SBAR) Framework. [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
SBAR guide for palliative care. [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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