Logo image
Back
Implementing SBAR in ED Triage to Pod Handoff
Dissertation

Implementing SBAR in ED Triage to Pod Handoff

Madeline E Holm
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2026
pptx
Holm,_Madi,_Final_DNP_Poster_Madi_HolmDownloadView
Open Access Free to read and download

Abstract

Background: Effective nurse-to-nurse handoff is critical for patient safety and continuity of care. Communication failures contribute to a large proportion of adverse events, yet handoff between Emergency Department (ED) triage and pod nurses is often inconsistent and unstructured, creating gaps in information transfer and potential safety risks. Purpose: The purpose of this Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project was to implement a standardized SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) handoff process between ED triage and pod nurses and evaluate its impact on communication practices, SBAR utilization, and nurse satisfaction in a Level I Trauma Center ED. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post design guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice was used. Registered nurses completed anonymous, unpaired surveys pre- (n = 37) and post-intervention (n = 17). The intervention included education and implementation of a standardized SBAR handoff using an existing EPIC Secure Chat template over three weeks. Data were collected using Likert-scale surveys measuring communication-related error proxies, SBAR utilization, and satisfaction. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. Findings: Improvements were observed across all outcomes. Reports of consistent communication increased for outstanding orders (42.9% to 58.8%), patient mobility (9.4% to 37.5%), and fall risk (11.1% to 33.3%). SBAR utilization increased, with receiving SBAR rising from 11.6% to 50% and providing SBAR from 44% to 64.3%. Satisfaction with EPIC Secure Chat improved, particularly for giving handoff (53% to 73%). Additionally, 85.7% of nurses agreed or strongly agreed that SBAR reduced communication-related errors. Discussion: Implementation of a standardized SBAR process improved communication consistency, increased structured handoff use, and enhanced nurse satisfaction. Findings align with existing literature supporting structured communication to improve handoff quality and perceived safety. Continued reinforcement, workflow integration, and evaluation using objective safety metrics are recommended to sustain improvements.
 SBAR nurse handoff emergency department communication patient safety evidence-based practice

Details

Metrics

1 Record Views
Logo image