Section 1: Evidence for SBAR in the ED

This section highlights peer-reviewed studies and reviews that demonstrate the impact of SBAR on patient safety, handoff quality, and communication outcomes in emergency and acute care settings.

References
Alizadeh-Risani, A., Mohammadkhah, F., Pourhabib, A., Fotokian, Z., & Khatooni, M. (2024). Comparison of the SBAR method and modified handover model on handover quality and nurse perception in the emergency department: A quasi-experimental study. BMC Nursing, 23(1), 585. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02266-4

McCarthy, S., et al. (2025). Use of structured handoff protocols for within-hospital unit-to-unit transitions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Quality & Safety, 34(2), 114–122. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2024-018385

Müller, M., Jürgens, J., Redaèlli, M., Klingberg, K., Hautz, W. E., & Stock, S. (2022). Impact of the communication and patient handoff tool SBAR on patient safety: A systematic review. BMJ Open, 12(4), e022202. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022202

Section 2: Training & Competency

This section provides evidence from training interventions and meta-analyses that show how structured SBAR education improves communication, confidence, and interprofessional teamwork for nurses and students.

References
Farzaneh, E., Mohammadi, F., Zandian, H., & Sohrabi, R. (2023). The effect of SBAR communication model-based training on nurses’ assertiveness and interprofessional communication skills: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Nursing, 22, 340. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-023-01290-0

Ghonem, N. M. E.-S., & El-Husany, W. A. (2023). SBAR shift report training program and its effect on nurses’ knowledge and practice and their perception of shift handoff communication. SAGE Open Nursing, 9, 23779608231159340. https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608231159340

Yun, B., Zhang, Q., Song, C., & Tong, Q. (2023). Effectiveness of SBAR situational simulation training for clinically inexperienced nursing students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Medical Education, 23, 697. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04495-8

Section 3: Policy & Standards

This section features organizational guidelines, sentinel event data, and innovations in SBAR that guide policy writing, compliance, and alignment with national safety standards.

References
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2023). TeamSTEPPS 3.0—Tool: Handoff. https://www.ahrq.gov/teamstepps-program/curriculum/communication/tools/handoff.html

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2023). TeamSTEPPS 3.0—Tool: SBAR. https://www.ahrq.gov/teamstepps-program/curriculum/communication/tools/sbar.html

The Joint Commission. (2023). Sentinel event data: 2023 annual review. https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/patient-safety-topics/sentinel-event/

Tuzik Micek, W., Lancaster, R. J., Hlebichuk, J., Panice, J., & Bulthuis, K. (2025). Strengthening nursing research communication: Implementing R-SBAR in Magnet® hospitals. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 55(5), E24–E26. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000001571

Section 4: Tools & Templates for Implementation

This section provides practical resources, templates, and tools to support frontline staff and nurse leaders in applying SBAR consistently during handoffs. These materials include structured forms, EHR-integrated prompts, and quick-reference job aids that make SBAR practical and sustainable in busy clinical environments.

gency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2017). Tool: SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation). https://www.ahrq.gov/teamstepps-program/curriculum/communication/tools/sbar.html AHRQ

Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2017). SBAR tool: Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (worksheet & guideline). https://www.ihi.org/library/tools/sbar-tool-situation-background-assessment-recommendation Institute for Healthcare Improvement+1

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (n.d.). Bedside Shift Report Checklist: SBAR-based report with patient and family engagement. https://www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/systems/hospital/engagingfamilies/strategy3/Strat3_Tool_2_Nurse_Chklst_508.pdf AHRQ

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. (2010). SBAR: A shared structure for effective team communication: Implementation toolkit (2nd ed.). Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. University Health Network

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2014). Appendix: Example of the SBAR and CUS tools. In Communicating Change in a Resident’s Condition, Module 2. https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/long-term-care/resource/facilities/ltc/mod2ap.html