Structured patient handover in high-risk areas : Evidence and recommendations for the practical implementation

Abstract

The perioperative setting is ahigh-risk environment which is particularly susceptible to communication deficits and errors. The situation, background, assessment, recommendation (SBAR) approach provides an intuitive guideline for team communication, which is associated with an improved quality of the handover. The German Society for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) has updated its recommendations in March 2022 and continues to endorse the use of the SBAR template. The impact of tools used for structured communication during patient handover are often studied in the context of alarger bundle of measures. The SBAR template is one option for establishing structured communication in clinical practice. Successful implementation is supported by clearly defined standard workflows to promote consistent use. This standardization identifies common communication barriers and assists in resolving them in ahigh-risk environment. Acommon understanding of the inherent values, and ashared interest in learning, applying, and training these techniques are paramount in establishing aculture of patient safety. This can only be reached through excellent interprofessional teamwork and supportive leadership.