Enhancing Communication in Local Anesthetic Handoffs:Implementation of An Sbar-Based Handoff Form
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a rare but potentially fatal complication resulting from unintended systemic absorption of local anesthetics, potentially exacerbated by communication failures during perioperative handoffs. Standardized communication frameworks, such as the Situation–Background–Assessment–Recommendation (SBAR) model, support safer transitions of care. This quality improvement project implemented a standardized SBAR-based local anesthetic handoff tool to improve interdisciplinary communication and reduce variability in dose reporting among perioperative staff. Guided by a Plan–Do–Study–Act framework, the project was conducted over 12 weeks at a 626-bed acute care facility. A total of 144 perioperative handoff evaluations were completed using the SBAR tool and assessed with the Handoff Clinical Evaluation Exercise (CEX), which evaluates organization, content, communication, and clinical judgment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests, including Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank analyses. Following implementation, median total Handoff CEX scores were consistent across the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases, at approximately 36. No statistically significant differences were identified between sender and receiver scores (p = 0.612) or satisfaction ratings (p = 0.831), indicating agreement among providers regarding handoff quality and tool usability. Although overall scores remained stable, the SBAR-based tool promoted consistent inclusion of critical dosing and safety information during perioperative handoffs. These findings suggest that structured communication tools can enhance reliability in high-risk medication communication and provide a sustainable framework to support patient safety and prevention of LAST in high-volume surgical settings.
DOI: 10.14419/bv8qdq14
Institution: University of South Florida
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7160781089
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: