SBAR is an acronym for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. It is a
standardized communication framework used in healthcare settings to help healthcare
personnel communicate clearly and effectively, especially during handoffs, care transitions, or
urgent situations.
Definition and breakdown:
Situation: Here, you describe the current situation or the purpose for the message. It includes
the current issue or problem that has to be resolved.
Background: In this section, you provide necessary context or background information for the
scenario. This may contain the patient's diagnosis, medical history, and current therapy.
Like this: "Mr. Smith was admitted two days ago with a diagnosis of pneumonia and has a
history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)."
Assessment: In this area, you provide your assessment or interpretation of the circumstance.
This could include clinical observations, laboratory results, or your professional opinion.
Finally, give a recommendation or propose a course of action. This is where you suggest what
should be done to resolve the situation.
The purpose of SBAR in healthcare is:
Clarity: SBAR ensures that information is communicated clearly and concisely, lowering the
possibility of miscommunication.
Efficiency: It provides a standardized style that enables healthcare providers to quickly deliver
critical information, increasing communication efficiency, particularly in time-sensitive situations.
Patient Safety: By standardizing communication, SBAR reduces errors, particularly during
handoffs or while communicating crucial information.
Collaboration facilitates effective collaboration by ensuring that all team members understand
the patient's condition and the appropriate interventions.