title: Improving shift report focus and consistency with the situation, background, assessment, recommendation protocol.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) protocol was used to improve shift reports in 4 medical-surgical units.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The SBAR protocol is increasingly advocated for use during shift reports, but data on the efficacy are limited.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nurses were trained on SBAR in 4 medical-surgical units in a tertiary care hospital. Nurse tasks, tools, and locations were recorded during observation audits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average time for shift reports did not decrease using SBAR. Nurses spent significantly more time on tasks specific to report. There was significantly more dialogue and less writing with SBAR.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The introduction of SBAR made reports more focused, with more time spent discussing the patient and less on transcribing information. The SBAR protocol provides a concise and prioritized structure that enables consistent, comprehensive, and patient-centric reports.
authors.affiliation: Practice Transformation, Dallas, Texas, USA. ptcornell@gmail.com
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cornell
authors.forename: Mary Townsend
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Gervis
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yates
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Vardaman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D062209:Patient Handoff / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D055815:Young Adult