SBAR (Situation | Background | Assessment | Recommendation) | ABCDE Emergency | OSCE Guide | PLAB 2

Summary

The SBAR communication tool is a structured method for effectively sharing critical patient information, commonly used in healthcare settings. Developed initially for military use, it helps healthcare professionals communicate concisely during high-pressure situations. The SBAR method is broken down into four parts: Situation (who you are and why you're calling), Background (relevant patient history), Assessment (current clinical findings), and Recommendation (suggested action). This structured approach helps ensure clear, efficient communication, reduces stress, and prioritizes urgent patient care needs, as demonstrated through a practical example of a fractured femur patient.

Takeaways

• 😀 The S-BAR communication tool was originally developed for the military and is widely used in healthcare for effective communication, especially in acute or critical situations.
• 😀 S-BAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation, and it provides a structured approach for professionals to communicate efficiently about patients.
• 😀 Before using S-BAR, ensure you have all relevant patient information at hand, including blood results, medical history, and imaging results, to help structure your communication.
• 😀 S-BAR helps maintain clarity and calm during stressful situations, which can help when speaking to busy or stressed colleagues in high-pressure environments.
• 😀 The 'S' in S-BAR stands for Situation. This is where you introduce yourself, the patient, and briefly explain why you are calling or communicating.
• 😀 The 'B' in S-BAR stands for Background. This section provides context about the patient’s medical history, current treatment, and any relevant details without overwhelming the listener with unnecessary information.
• 😀 The 'A' in S-BAR stands for Assessment. This includes vital signs, key positive findings, and important negative findings from clinical exams. It helps the person on the other end of the conversation understand the patient's current condition.
• 😀 The 'R' in S-BAR stands for Recommendation. In this section, you provide your working diagnosis and clearly state what you want from the other person, such as a consultation or specific action, which helps set expectations.
• 😀 Using S-BAR allows both parties to prioritize actions based on the urgency and clarity of the communicated information.
• 😀 The S-BAR tool is flexible and adaptable, and can be used in various healthcare situations, ensuring concise, effective, and structured communication.

Q & A

What does SBAR stand for?

SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. It is a communication tool used to structure important information in a clear and concise way, particularly in healthcare settings.

Why was SBAR developed, and where is it commonly used?

SBAR was initially developed for military use and has since been adopted in many healthcare settings. It is particularly useful for communicating about acutely ill patients or in critical time periods where quick, structured information needs to be shared.

What should you have in front of you when using SBAR?

Before using SBAR, it's important to have all relevant patient information, such as blood results, x-rays, ECGs, and past medical history, available. This will help ensure that the information is accurate and complete.

How can SBAR help in stressful situations?

SBAR provides a clear and structured way of communicating, which can help reduce stress. By breaking down the information into clear sections (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation), it allows the person giving the information to stay focused, even in high-pressure situations.

What information should be included in the 'Situation' part of SBAR?

In the 'Situation' section, you should introduce yourself, the patient, and explain briefly why you're calling. It should provide a clear context, like 'I am calling about Jane Doe, who has sustained a right-sided fractured neck of femur.'

What type of information is typically included in the 'Background' section of SBAR?

The 'Background' section should provide relevant context about the patient's history, such as their medical background, any relevant past medical conditions, and the current situation. However, it should not include every detail but focus on what's most important for the person you're communicating with.

What kind of information would be included in the 'Assessment' section of SBAR?

The 'Assessment' section typically includes vital signs, key positive and negative clinical findings, and any relevant examination results. For example, you might mention a patient's pulse, temperature, or physical examination findings, such as 'rebound tenderness in the right iliac fossa.'

How do you structure the 'Recommendation' part of SBAR?

In the 'Recommendation' section, you should provide your working diagnosis and what you need from the person you're speaking to. For example, you might say, 'I believe this patient has an intracranial hemorrhage and they are deteriorating rapidly; I would appreciate it if you could assess and review the patient within the next five minutes.'

How does SBAR help healthcare professionals prioritize patient care?

By providing a clear and concise summary of the situation, SBAR helps the person receiving the information understand the severity and urgency of the situation, allowing them to prioritize care accordingly.

Can SBAR be used in situations where the diagnosis is unclear?

Yes, SBAR is flexible and can still be used even if the diagnosis is uncertain. In the 'Recommendation' section, you can simply state that the diagnosis is not yet clear, and ask for further assistance or review, as seen in the example where James requests an orthopedic review without a definitive diagnosis.