The SBAR acronym according to Kwong, (2011) stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. This acronym is a valuable patient safety tool to help improve communication between care professionals. As, it permits care team providers to briefly put the circumstances of a patient into the appropriate summary that allows for effective collaboration, better patient outcomes and patient experience. All of which makes this communication tool a reliable and recognizable process for all team members.
The SBAR is not only an effective communication tool for promoting improved patient outcomes, it is also a method that professional leaders in healthcare to communicate with one another. For instance, it can help to elevate gaps in communication and costly mistakes. Depending on the situation use the method of communication available to you. One, use the cell phone to associate between the team that way there is an opportunity to avoid confusion that may come from e-mails. And encourage their feedback of each person. That will allow opportunity to convey concerns, make request and ask pertinent questions. That way the leader is allow their teams voice to be heard and that builds good communication and perhaps team loyalty as well.
Second, whenever possible pyritize a one on one communication with a staff member and again allow them an opportunity to speak freely and feel like a valued member of the team.
Third, seek out the experts on a topic and make a big deal of their contribution and make recommendations based on your discussions. That way, the leader capitalizing on that persons background/expertise and experiences.
We all want to feel valued in our profession, thus, those are methods to strengthen communication, value the employee, gather feedback and assess it, avoid costly mistakes and confusion, and even build a stronger team and professional relationship. Thank you.
Reference
Kwong, A. Y. Y. (2011). Using a standardized communication tool SBAR to improve LVN students’ shift reporting (Order No. 3447988). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (859126241). Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/859126241?accountid=35
