Randomized trial of a warfarin communication protocol for nursing homes: an SBAR-based approach.

Warfarin therapy is commonly associated with adverse events despite specific indicators designed to capture them and guide prevention efforts. This study adopted the SBAR communication tool as part of a protocol to improve the quality of warfarin management in the nursing home setting. Using a facilitated telephone communication between nurses and physicians in 26 nursing homes, the patients randomized to the SBAR approach had statistically significant improvements in their therapeutic levels and a non-statistically significant reduction in adverse events. A past AHRQ WebM&M commentary discusses a case of inadequate warfarin monitoring that resulted in an adverse event for a nursing home patient.