ASSESSMENT 2: COMMUNICATION IN NURSING PRACTICE

SBAR and Professional Communication in Clinical Settings

Course: Nursing Professional Practice
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Bisha – College of Nursing
Academic Year: 2024-2025
Assessment Weight: 30% of Final Grade
Due Date: Week 10
Word Count: 2,000-2,500 words (excluding references)

ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW

Effective communication is fundamental to safe, high-quality patient care and interprofessional collaboration in healthcare settings. This assessment requires you to demonstrate understanding and application of the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication framework and analyze professional communication strategies used in clinical nursing practice.

The SBAR technique provides a structured approach to communication that enhances clarity, reduces misunderstandings, and improves patient safety outcomes. This assessment will evaluate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge of communication frameworks to realistic clinical scenarios relevant to nursing practice in Saudi Arabia.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this assessment, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the importance of structured communication frameworks in clinical nursing practice
2. Apply the SBAR communication technique to patient care scenarios
3. Evaluate the impact of effective communication on patient safety and interprofessional collaboration
4. Demonstrate understanding of professional communication standards in the Saudi healthcare context
5. Synthesize evidence-based literature on communication strategies in nursing practice

ASSESSMENT TASK

Part A: SBAR Case Study Analysis (50%)

Select ONE clinical scenario from the options provided below (or develop your own scenario with instructor approval). Using the SBAR framework, construct a comprehensive written communication that demonstrates professional handover or escalation of care.

Clinical Scenario Options:

1. Patient with deteriorating respiratory status in medical-surgical unit
2. Post-operative patient experiencing unexpected complications
3. Pediatric patient with suspected medication reaction
4. Obstetric patient with signs of pre-eclampsia
5. Elderly patient with altered mental status and suspected infection

Your SBAR communication must include:

• Situation: Concise identification of the problem (What is happening?)
• Background: Relevant clinical context and patient history (What is the clinical background?)
• Assessment: Your clinical assessment and interpretation (What do you think the problem is?)
• Recommendation: Specific actions or requests (What do you need or recommend?)

Requirements:

• Write your SBAR communication as it would be delivered to a physician or senior nurse
• Include relevant vital signs, assessment findings, and clinical observations
• Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical reasoning
• Use appropriate medical terminology
• Length: 400-500 words

Part B: Critical Analysis Essay (50%)

Write a critical analysis essay addressing the following components:

1. Theoretical Framework (25%)

• Discuss the theoretical foundations of the SBAR communication framework
• Explain why structured communication tools are essential in healthcare
• Analyze the components of effective interprofessional communication
• Reference relevant communication theories and models

2. Evidence-Based Practice (25%)

• Review current literature (2019-2025) on SBAR implementation in nursing practice
• Evaluate the impact of SBAR on patient safety outcomes
• Discuss barriers and facilitators to effective clinical communication
• Analyze evidence supporting structured communication in reducing medical errors

3. Cultural and Contextual Considerations (25%)

• Examine professional communication standards in the Saudi healthcare system
• Discuss cultural considerations in nurse-patient and nurse-physician communication
• Analyze how communication frameworks adapt to multicultural healthcare environments
• Reflect on language considerations in bilingual clinical settings

4. Professional Development and Reflection (25%)

• Reflect on your own communication skills and areas for development
• Discuss strategies to enhance professional communication competence
• Identify how you will apply SBAR in your future clinical practice
• Consider ethical dimensions of communication in nursing

Requirements:

• Length: 1,600-2,000 words
• Minimum of 10 scholarly references (peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, authoritative sources)
• APA 7th edition formatting
• Critical analysis rather than descriptive writing
• Integration of theory, evidence, and practice

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA & RUBRIC

High Distinction (90-100%)

• Exceptional application of SBAR with sophisticated clinical reasoning
• Comprehensive critical analysis demonstrating deep understanding
• Outstanding integration of current evidence-based literature
• Excellent synthesis of theory, practice, and cultural context
• Exemplary academic writing with flawless APA formatting

Distinction (80-89%)

• Excellent application of SBAR with strong clinical reasoning
• Thorough critical analysis with well-developed arguments
• Effective use of relevant, current evidence-based literature
• Strong integration of theory, practice, and context
• High-quality academic writing with accurate APA formatting

Credit (70-79%)

• Good application of SBAR with appropriate clinical reasoning
• Sound critical analysis with clear arguments
• Adequate use of evidence-based literature
• Appropriate integration of theory and practice
• Competent academic writing with mostly correct APA formatting

Pass (60-69%)

• Satisfactory application of SBAR with basic clinical reasoning
• Adequate analysis with some critical engagement
• Basic use of evidence-based literature
• Some integration of theory and practice
• Acceptable academic writing with some APA errors

Fail (<60%)

• Inadequate application of SBAR or significant errors
• Limited or absent critical analysis
• Insufficient or irrelevant evidence-based literature
• Poor integration of theory and practice
• Substandard academic writing with major APA errors

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Format: Microsoft Word document (.docx) or PDF
2. Font: Times New Roman, 12pt
3. Spacing: Double-spaced
4. Margins: 2.54cm (1 inch) all sides
5. Header: Include student name, ID number, course code
6. Title Page: Include assessment title, student details, word count
7. Reference List: Separate page, APA 7th edition format
8. File Naming: StudentID_Surname_Assessment2.docx

Submission Method: Upload to Learning Management System (Blackboard) by 11:59 PM on due date

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

This assessment must be your own original work. Any evidence of plagiarism, collusion, or academic misconduct will be referred to the Academic Integrity Committee and may result in:

• Zero marks for the assessment
• Failure of the course
• Disciplinary action as per university policy

Acceptable collaboration: You may discuss general concepts with classmates, but all written work must be independently produced.

Use of AI tools: While AI tools may be used for brainstorming and editing, all content must be your own writing and demonstrate your understanding. AI-generated content submitted as your own work constitutes academic misconduct.

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

Recommended Resources:

• University Library databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus)
• SBAR training modules on Learning Management System
• Academic Skills Centre for writing support
• APA 7th edition style guide

Clinical Practice Guidelines:

• Saudi Ministry of Health Communication Standards
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) TeamSTEPPS
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) resources

Support Services:

• Academic Skills Workshops (weekly)
• Individual consultations with faculty (by appointment)
• Peer study groups (see course coordinator)

LATE SUBMISSION POLICY

• 0-24 hours late: 10% deduction
• 24-48 hours late: 20% deduction
• 48-72 hours late: 30% deduction
• >72 hours late: 50% deduction
• >7 days late: Assessment not accepted without approved extension

Extensions: Must be requested at least 48 hours before due date with supporting documentation (medical certificate, etc.) and approved by course coordinator.

ASSESSMENT FEEDBACK

Feedback will be provided within 15 working days of submission via the Learning Management System. Feedback will include:

• Grades for each criterion
• Written comments on strengths and areas for improvement
• Overall assessment grade
• Suggestions for future development

Students are encouraged to schedule a feedback consultation with their instructor to discuss assessment performance and professional development.