The SBAR Communication Technique

Briefly introduced in a May 15, 2007 article of Risk Review, SBAR stands for “Situation,” “Background,” “Assessment” and “Recommendations.”  It is used in high reliability organizations such as those in the aviation and nuclear power industries. 

The SBAR method sets expectations for the information to be included, and how communication will occur. To be successfully implemented, however, SBAR requires a flattened hierarchy so that everybody is encouraged to speak up and communicate the information about patients necessary to prevent medical errors. SBAR requires the support of physicians. They will benefit by being part of an effective team, improving patient outcomes and relieving the pressure on them as being the sole decision maker.

SBAR involves the following four steps along with brief explanations of what is involved in each of these steps: 

State the Situation:

• The situation concisely describes the current state or condition of the patient; and
• The statement covers what the patient’s problem is, when it happened or started, and how severe it is. 

Provide Background:

• The background state only includes the most relevant information about the patient, including recent vital signs, the working diagnosis, lab or radiology results as they relate to the patient’s situation (or condition) —see above. 

Express Your Assessment:

• This is a brief statement of the current status of the patient, which highlights the relevant information for the recipient to make an informed decision; and
   
• It is critical that the source of the information (whether from nurses, other staff members, or even family members) be communicated consistently.  

Provide Your Recommendation:

• What needs to be done (e.g. a change in orders, patient needs to be seen now, notification of status change, etc.)?

Princeton Insurance is committed to working with our insureds to optimize the quality and safety of care. We will be providing additional methods to do this in subsequent issues.