Enhancing Multidisciplinary Team Board Efficiency and Communication Using the SBAR Approach

Abstract

In oncology, healthcare professionals from different specialties, such as oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, assemble to form a cooperative group described as the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). Whose main objective is to formulate standardized Treatment plans for cancer patients. MDTs are now widely used in the global healthcare system to manage complicated cases. Weekly MDT meetings have become a benchmark for cancer care. However, these meetings are often time-consuming, and challenging due to the diverse range of perspectives. This is where the SBAR communication tool comes into play¹.

SBAR is a standard method for communication between health care professionals, recommended by theWHO². The SBAR approach is highly efficient in tumour board settings for its ability to communicate the structured directives of health care professionals in cancer management. The Situation section includes a summary of a patient's history while the Background section provides insight into a previous treatment. The assessment section includes a summary of the team's analysis and the Recommendation section outlines the proposed plan by the MDT. Utilizing SBAR ensures that the relevant information is presented in an organized manner to save time and reduce the risk of important details being overlooked. De Meester et al showed that the SBAR technique practiced by nurses resulted in a decline in unplanned ICU admissions and patient deaths, which is likely due to earlier response through better communication, using SBAR³. In addition, SBAR also ensures that discussions on the MDT are focused and productive to avoid irrelevant details. SBAR can also improve the quality of communication among MDTs which may clarify any confusion and errors⁴. In conclusion, the SBAR approach is a highly recommended tool for healthcare organizers to improve the quality of patient healthcare and save time.