The design and application of an intensive care unit point-of-care nursing handover checklist based on the situation, background, assessment, and recommendation technique

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of using an intensive care unit point-of-care nursing handover checklist based on the situation, background, assessment, and recommendation (SBAR) communication technique.

Methods: An intensive care unit point-of-care nursing handover checklist was designed based on the SBAR technique, and standard point-of-care nursing handover procedures and effect assessment indicators were established to compare the occurrence of adverse handover events and nursing risks with those previously observed.

Results: Before and after the application of the intensive care unit point-of-care SBAR checklist, the occurrence of missed items during the handover was 7.26 and 2.02%, inadequate preparation for handover was 28.33 and 5%, and nursing risks were 5 and 1.67%, respectively.

Conclusion: Based on the SBAR technique, the application of an intensive care unit point-of-care nursing checklist reduced the occurrence of adverse handover events and nursing risks.

Keywords: ICU; SBAR model; checklist; critical patients; handover; nursing.