Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation Technique Improves Nurse-Physician Communication and Patient Satisfaction in Cataract Surgeries.

BACKGROUND

Implementation of the Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) communication technique has been shown to increase nurse-physician communication and collaboration. However, data regarding its implementation in ophthalmology settings are limited.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing SBAR on nurse-physician communication and on the safety and satisfaction of patients undergoing cataract surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ophthalmology Department of Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China, from April 2016 to December 2018. SBAR was implemented through a 1-h course that was repeated every 2 months for 2 years. All nurses and physicians completed the Physician-Nurse Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire before SBAR implementation and 1- and 2-year post-implementation. In addition, all patients who underwent cataract surgery during the defined pre-implementation and 1- and 2-year post-implementation periods were invited to complete a patient satisfaction questionnaire.

RESULTS

In total, 10 nurses and 6 physicians completed all three pre- and post-implementation surveys. In addition, 1215 patients undergoing cataract surgery participated: 358 in the pre-implementation phase, 425 in the 1-year post-implementation, and 432 in the 2-year post-implementation. Physician-nurse communication significantly improved in both 1- and 2-year post-implementation periods compared with the pre-implementation phase ( < 0.01). In addition, there was a significant increase in patient satisfaction scores ( < 0.01) and a decrease in medical complaints and malpractices ( < 0.01) between the pre- and post-implementation phases.

CONCLUSION

SBAR is a useful tool for enhancing nurse-physician communication and for improving the safety and satisfaction of patients undergoing cataract surgery.