Effective communication transitions in nursing care: a scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: The issue of patient safety, particularly in inter- and intra-hospital transfers, has been gaining increasing importance at national and international levels. The existence of effective communication among health professionals reduces redundancy, saves time and increases patient safety and team satisfaction [1]. Effective communication can be achieved through the use of structured tools that guide the transfer of information, such as the ISBAR technique. The ISBAR is an instrument of standardization of communication in health that is recognized for promoting patient safety in situations of transition of care. This tool allows through simple forms, to memorize complex constructions, to be used in verbal transmission, where I: corresponds to the Identification, S: Current Situation, B: Background, A: Assessment, R: Recommendations [2].

It is therefore appropriate to carry out a review study with the aim to identify and synthesize the scientific evidence related to the advantages of using the ISBAR technique in health care transitions. The aim of this Scoping Review is to map out and analyse the scientific evidence related to the advantages of using the ISBAR technique in the transitions in hospital settings.

Methods: A total of 8 articles were identified, which, after filtering according to the inclusion criteria, resulted in 6 articles. A three-step strategy was used. 1) Search of MEDLINE and CINAHL was undertaken, followed by an analysis of the words contained in the title, abstract, and the index terms used to describe the articles. 2) All the identified keywords and index terms was conducted another search across all included databases. 3) Search the reference lists of all the included articles where 2 articles were identified and after application of the inclusion criteria 1 was selected.

Results: ISBAR (Identification, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendations) improves the transfer of information and safeguards patient safety [1,3], as well as the handover information, both at the relieving shifts’ time, and the written information [4]. The information is not lost and the transfer can be performed efficiently and timely [5,6]. ISBAR level professionals’ hierarchy and minimize the assumptions providing common expectations during the transfer.

Discussion and conclusions: The use of ISBAR has advantages for the healthcare team and for patients with a strong impact during clinical transfers. ISBAR is a tool of standardization of communication in health that is recognized for promoting patient safety in situations of transition of care. ISBAR improved the handover about patient´s reasons for transfer and condition; his status’ description gained in simplicity and clarity and it promotes the patient safety during transfers [4,7]. So the use of this tool is of great utility and its applicability in the Portuguese health services is relevant.