Enhancing Psychiatric Care Through SBAR: A Quality Improvement Initiative in Inpatient Psychiatric Settings

Author: Emmanuel Ramos

Field of Study: Health and Wellness

Faculty Mentors: Mi Jin Doe, Judith Quaranta

Easel: 55

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: Effective communication is essential in psychiatric inpatient settings, yet structured handover communication remains inconsistent. This quality improvement project enhances communication among nurses through SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) implementation. The intervention includes nurse education, pre- and post-assessments using the KA-SBAR survey, and tracking SBAR compliance via 24-hour administrative email reports. Data will evaluate changes in SBAR usage, compliance, and nurses’ knowledge. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, the project ensures continuous quality improvement. Expected outcomes include enhanced patient safety, improved interprofessional collaboration, and optimized psychiatric nursing care. This initiative highlights the importance of standardized handover communication in reducing errors and improving care delivery in psychiatric settings.