PERCEPTION ABOUT THE USE OF SBAR TOOL AMONG NURSES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A QUALITATIVE APPROACH

Abstract

Background: Effective communication in healthcare is essential for ensuring patient safety and quality care. The SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication tool offers a standardized framework to enhance clarity, reduce errors, and support collaborative decision-making in clinical settings. Despite its recognized benefits, its application faces multiple challenges in tertiary care environments. Aim: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of registered nurses regarding the use of the SBAR communication tool in tertiary care hospitals and to identify its impact, utilization, and challenges in daily practice. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 registered nurses from various ICU departments at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Non-probability purposive sampling was used. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis via NVivo software. Results: Six major themes emerged: challenges of using SBAR, understanding about SBAR in daily practice, use of SBAR in clinical routines, patient safety, suggestions to improve SBAR implementation, and training to use SBAR. Nurses highlighted SBAR’s benefits in improving communication, teamwork, and patient documentation, especially in emergencies. However, challenges included time constraints, high nurse-patient ratios, lack of training, and resistance to change. Conclusion: SBAR is recognized as a beneficial tool that enhances communication and patient safety. However, successful implementation requires structured training, leadership support, and reduced workload to address current barriers and improve its integration into routine nursing practices.