Streamlining Clinical Endorsement: Electronic Sbar-Integrated Clinical Handover Management Framework

Abstract

This study aimed to develop an electronic Situation–Background–Assessment– Recommendation (e-SBAR) system framework for nurses at South General Hospital, City of Naga. It employed a descriptive–comparative research design to assess nurses’ perceptions and challenges in implementing the manual SBAR tool and to identify key system features necessary for digital transition. The research was conducted at South General Hospital, a tertiary Level II facility under the CebuDoc Group. Using total sampling, the study involved fifty-five (55) nurse respondents across departments, namely Outpatient, Pediatrics, Emergency Room, Operating Room, Medical–Surgical Ward, Intensive Care Unit, and OB-Gyne Ward, along with selected information technology experts. Data were gathered through two researcher-developed instruments the SBAR Perceptions and Challenges Questionnaire and the SBAR System Features Checklist. Findings revealed that while SBAR was moderately practiced across departments, several operational challenges persisted, particularly time pressure, workload, and contextual limitations. The study concluded that digital standardization through an e-SBAR system could improve communication accuracy, patient safety, and workflow efficiency. It was strongly recommended that South General Hospital adopt and implement the proposed electronic SBAR system framework as a hospital-wide tool for clinical handover.