A standardized sign-out process when transitioning patients to different neurology staff members improves the completeness and accuracy of handoffs, according to a study in Neurology.
Researchers implemented a structured sign-out system in inpatient neurology services to guide communication when caregivers change shifts. Neurology residents used an unstructured sign-out process for the first half of their rotations and the structured system — Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation, or SBAR — in the second half.
Results showed neurology residents were more likely to share test results with patients and family before changing shifts when using SBAR than when using an unstructured sign-out process. Similarly, residents using SBAR were more likely to feel all important patient data was communicated than residents using the unstructured process.
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Researchers implemented a structured sign-out system in inpatient neurology services to guide communication when caregivers change shifts. Neurology residents used an unstructured sign-out process for the first half of their rotations and the structured system — Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation, or SBAR — in the second half.
Results showed neurology residents were more likely to share test results with patients and family before changing shifts when using SBAR than when using an unstructured sign-out process. Similarly, residents using SBAR were more likely to feel all important patient data was communicated than residents using the unstructured process.
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