Initiative pushes for better nurse hand-offs

Some hospitals are taking steps to prevent errors and miscommunication during patient "hand-offs" by attempting to improve communication during shift changes. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement is pressing a "military style" communication strategy known as SBAR--which stands for Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation. SBAR promotes a structured approach to improving communication, encouraging nurses on departing shifts to share key information. Kaiser Permanente, among others, is experimenting with the technique. The HMO is also using a Nurse Knowledge Exchange program built into its electronic medical record system as well.

- see this article from The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)