Enhancing Communication and Patient Safety in Anesthesia Nursing: A Review of the SBAR Method

Effective communication is essential in healthcare, especially in high-pressure areas like anesthesia nursing, where mistakes can have serious consequences. The SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication framework provides a structured approach to enhance communication, improve patient safety, and promote teamwork. This study aims to review existing literature to assess the advantages of SBAR in anesthesia nursing, pinpoint challenges in its application, and suggest strategies for optimizing its use in this specialty. A qualitative literature review was performed by examining peer-reviewed articles, clinical reports, and guidelines. The search encompassed databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and CINAHL. Articles published between 2013 and 2023 that focused on SBAR in nursing, patient safety, and communication in anesthesia were included. Thematic analysis was employed to distill findings into key themes: benefits, challenges, and implementation strategies. The review revealed that SBAR improves communication clarity, leading to an 85% enhancement in handovers and a 70% decrease in miscommunication. It also boosts patient safety, with a 65% reduction in errors and an 80% increase in situational awareness, while fostering teamwork with a 75% improvement in team dynamics and a 60% rise in trust and accountability. However, challenges to implementation include cultural resistance (45%), time constraints (55%), and inadequate training (60%). Strategies such as simulation-based training (75% proficiency improvement), leadership support (60% increase in staff willingness), and digital SBAR tools (50% error reduction) were identified as crucial enablers for effective implementation. SBAR is a significant tool for enhancing communication, patient safety, and teamwork in anesthesia nursing. Tackling challenges like cultural resistance, contextual limitations, and inconsistent training through tailored strategies is essential.