Communicating at Safety-Critical Moments Using ISBAR

Click on the button below to download the Communicating at safety-critical moments module package, which contains detailed information including instructions on how to run the workshop session, facilitator notes, and outcomes template.

• Download this module

This module also uses an Additional handout containing the HSE ISBAR communication tool, and ISBAR3 which should be downloaded for use during the session.¹Please click here to download the additional handout.

Please click the links below to download a modified version of this module which teams can use to conduct sessions via video conferencing rather than in-person.

Communicating at Safety-Critical Moments remote session outline

ISBAR and ISBAR3 remote handout

Communicating at Safety-Critical Moments remote outcomes template

For guidance on facilitating this remote module via video conferencing software, please see the next section

When running this remote module, participants may need to be separated into sub-groups for discussions. Please view this brief video conferencing note for guidance on how to do this.

Note that your organisation may have policies on which video conferencing tools are permitted to be used.

This session will introduce a tool to help optimise patient care by improving communication and teamwork skills at safety critical moments (patient deterioration and clinical handover). The team will be familiar with the use of a tool that facilitates more focused communication between team members to deliver information in a structured and effective way.

1-2 team members can facilitate discussions, and 1 team member can act as flipchart scribe to record ideas, discussion points, and outputs.

The session is structured as follows:

1. Introduction (5 minutes)
2. Icebreaker (5 minutes)
3. Group exercise (10 minutes)
4. Video (5 minutes)
5. Learning about ISBAR, ISBAR₃, and the Safety Pause (20 minutes)
6. Facilitated discussion (15 minutes)
7. Close of session (5 minutes)

Poor communication at safety-critical moments can undermine team performance.¹ ISBAR and ISBAR3 are nationally-recommended tools² that provide a structure for teams to communicate important safety information at times when timely and correct information transfer is vital, such as during clinical handover.³

References

1. Resource Manual & Facilitator Guide For Clinical Handover: An Inter-disciplinary Education Programme (2017). Health Service Executive. https://healthservice.hse.ie/filelibrary/onmsd/resource-manual-facilitator-guide-for-clinical-handover-an-inter-disciplinary-education-programme.pdf
2. Lingard L. Productive Complications: Emergent Ideas in Team Communication and Patient Safety. 2012. Healthcare Quarterly 15 (Special Issue):18-23.doi:10.12927/hcq.2012.22846
3. National Clinical Effectiveness Committee. National Clinical Guideline No. 11: Clinical Handover in Acute and Children’s Hospital Services. 2015. Department of Health.
4. Marshall S, Harrison J, Flanagan B. The teaching of a structured tool improves the clarity and content of interprofessional clinical communication. Qual Saf Health Care. 2009 Apr;18(2):137-40. doi: 10.1136/qshc.2007.025247.