On the Same Page: Communicating Recommendations for Unified Team Action

Understand the Team and Set a Shared Goal

• Know your audience: Each team member (OT, PT, nurse, doctor, caregiver, etc.) brings a unique perspective and expertise. Recognize their roles and what matters most to them, whether it’s clinical outcomes, workflow efficiency, or patient comfort.
• Clarify the shared goal: Frame your recommendations as part of a unified effort to enhance patient safety, comfort, and outcomes.

Use Structured Communication Tools

• SBAR Technique (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation): Utilize standardized frameworks like SBAR to succinctly present the clinical situation, the relevant background, your assessment, and the specific recommendation. This approach creates clear expectations, fosters trust, and reduces misunderstandings. For example:

Situation: "We have a patient at high risk for pressure injuries due to poor mobility."

Background: "Previous seating has led to skin breakdown."

Assessment: "Current set-up does not offer adequate support for repositioning or transfers."

Recommendation: "I recommend introducing a tilt-in-space therapeutic chair and a sit-to-stand hoist, accompanied by staff training on safe transfer techniques."

Encourage two-way dialogue

• End with, “What are your thoughts?” or “Do you see any barriers to implementing this?” to invite feedback and collaborative problem solving

Tailor Recommendations to Evidence and Workflow

• Back up suggestions with evidence: Reference data or case studies demonstrating how the recommended equipment or practices improve patient care and staff safety.
• Align with existing protocols: Whenever possible, show how your recommendations fit with or enhance current workflows and policies, minimizing perceived disruption.

Address Practical Concerns and Demonstrate Equipment

• Hands-on demonstrations: Offer live demonstrations of new seating equipment or transfer techniques. Allow team members to ask questions and experience the features directly.
• Troubleshoot together: Recognize and address concerns, such as equipment compatibility or potential barriers with existing patient routines.

Educational Support and Ongoing Feedback

• Provide resource materials: Share concise guides, quick reference cards, or step-by-step protocols for manual handling, seating, and transfer best practices. Seating Matters can help you obtain useful resources- just ask us!
• Offer follow-up: Make yourself available for follow-up consultations. Encourage regular feedback to monitor outcomes and adjust recommendations as needed.

Foster a Culture of Respect and Collaboration

• Invite diverse perspectives: Include input from all relevant disciplines early and often.
• Acknowledge contributions: Publicly thank team members for their efforts and input, which builds trust and motivation.
• Identify champions: Enlist respected team members to advocate for and help implement recommendations, promoting broader buy-in.

By fostering structured, respectful, and evidence-informed communication, you can build consensus, gain buy-in, and successfully implement best practices for seating equipment, transfers, repositioning, manual handling, and seating guidelines—ultimately resulting in better patient and staff outcomes.

** Note - the purpose of this blog is to give an overview of the product with some tips to consider on its use. This is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis, prescription or treatment and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. For advice with your personal health or that of someone in your care, consult your doctor or appropriate medical professional.