SBAR as a Standardized Communication Tool for Medical Laboratory Science Students

Abstract

Abstract Objective Laboratory professionals must communicate effectively on an interprofessional team. It is the responsibility of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) programs to teach communication. The structured communication tool Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation (SBAR) is one way to promote effective communication. Methods Students participated in a case-based simulation activity on the importance of teamwork/communication and the use of SBAR and completed a pre/post survey on communicating interprofessionally. Results Students reported increased confidence and competence with interprofessional communication after the activity with 4 of 5 questions demonstrating a statistically significant increase in scores post SBAR instruction. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that SBAR is a suitable communication tool that can be used to increase our MLS students’ confidence and competency in interprofessional communication. Educators should use this communication tool to empower MLS students to be effective members of the healthcare team.