Changes in Nursing Students' Clinical Handover Performance Following
ISBAR
‐Structured Handover Simulation Teaching: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Jui‐Chiung Sun, Min‐Yu Chang, Yi‐Chun Tsai 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.