SBAR format - Cross Cover Notes

SBAR Format

http://www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/Tools/SBARToolkit.aspx

The SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) technique provides a framework for communication between members of the health care team about a patient's condition.

• S = Situation (a concise statement of the problem)

• B = Background (pertinent and brief information related to the situation)

• A = Assessment (analysis and considerations of options — what you found/think)

• R = Recommendation (action requested/recommended — what you want)

SBAR is an easy-to-remember, concrete mechanism useful for framing any conversation, especially critical ones, requiring a clinician’s immediate attention and action. It allows for an easy and focused way to set expectations for what will be communicated and how between members of the team, which is essential for developing teamwork and fostering a culture of patient safety.