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 (P < 0.01). In addition, there was a significant increase in patient satisfaction scores (P < 0.01) and a decrease in medical complaints and malpractices (P < 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.