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Changes in Nursing Students' Clinical Handover Performance Following ISBAR ‐Structured Handover Simulation Teaching: A Mixed‐Methods Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Clinical handover is critical for patient safety, yet nursing students frequently lack structured training, making it difficult to convey essential information accurately. AIM: To examine changes in students' communication clarity, confidence and learning experiences following ISBAR (Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) simulation-based teaching. METHODS: A mixed-methods design with 57 nursing students combined a single-group pretest-posttest study and focus group interviews. Data were collected from questionnaires and OSCE (Objective structured clinical examination), and analysed using SPSS 28.0 and content analysis. RESULTS: Following the ISBAR-structured handover simulation intervention, post-intervention scores for communication clarity and confidence were significantly higher than pre-intervention scores. Qualitative analysis identified four themes: (1) mastering the handover framework to enhance organized expression; (2) scenario simulation strengthening clinical reasoning and adaptability; (3) peer feedback and reflection promoting self-awareness; and (4) progressive practice building handover confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Communication clarity and confidence improved after ISBAR simulation-based teaching. Because the design was single-group and uncontrolled, these changes cannot be attributed exclusively to the intervention; controlled studies are needed. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Incorporating this model into specialist nursing curricula-particularly in high-risk areas such as obstetrics-through scenario-based practice is recommended to strengthen communication quality; effects on patient-safety outcomes were not assessed and warrant future evaluation. REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to EQUATOR guidelines and used COREQ for qualitative reporting. PATIENT CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Source: Nursing Open

DOI: 10.1002/nop2.70955

Authors: Jui‐Chiung Sun, Min‐Yu Chang, Yi‐Chun Tsai

Institutions: Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Hospital Admissions and Outcomes

Subfield: Leadership and Management

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,390