A Mixed-Methods, International, Multisite Study to Develop and Validate a Measure of Nurse-to-Physician Communication in Simulation.

AIM: This study examined the reliability and validity of the ISBAR Interprofessional Communication Rubric (IICR).

BACKGROUND

Improving education regarding communication in health care is a global priority. Communication is difficult to measure and no evaluation rubrics were located that uniquely focused on nurse-to-physician communication in simulation.

METHOD: This study used a mixed-methods design and included five sites.

RESULTS

The IICR was determined reliable among nurse educator raters (r = 0.79). The scale was found valid as assessed by nurse and physician experts (content validity index = 0.92). When describing their experience of using the tool, nurse educator raters described three categories: overall acceptability of the tool, ease of use, and perceptions of the importance of communication skills for patient safety.

CONCLUSION

Teaching and evaluating communication in simulation with a standardized rubric is a research area in need of further exploration and refinement.