Development of a Communication Tool for Handoffs Involving Patients Cared for by Sitters: An Evidence-Based Practice Project

Problem Communication has been found to be central patient safety and colleague engagement. Poor communication was identified in a Level III trauma hospital the midwestern US between “sitters” (staff members assigned monitor patients as having concerns) nurses care for those patients, including lack of formal handoff process. Approach A Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) statement guided an evidence-based project identification intervention improve Using format Situation/Background/Assessment/Recommendation (SBAR), Patient Safety Attendant Handoff Form developed implemented. Results Initially, Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical (LPNs), or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) were used sitters, taking them away from other responsibilities. position, (PSA), created perform sitter role. The tool made official form implemented new standard practice. Analysis data completed forms top reasons assigning mental health behavioral concerns. In six-month post-implementation survey, most PSAs reported receiving adequate information about during handoffs using form. Conclusion SBAR improved RNs also enhanced PSAs. key feature is Recommendation section which includes “triggers avoid,” de-escalation techniques, things enjoys. Developing structural model aggregated on helped analyzing information.