How to use SBAR to improve clinical communication
SBAR creates a shared mental model for effective information transfer by
providing a standardised structure for concise factual communications among
clinicians — nurse-to-nurse, doctor-to-doctor, or between nurse and doctor. Other
tools like critical language, psychological safety, and effective leadership are
central to providing safe care.
The SBAR technique provides a framework for communication between members
of the healthcare team about a patient’s condition. 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 can add clarity to an emergency call to a sleeping senior colleague for advice
about patient management. When woken in the night it can take some time to
absorb facts and respond. This is greatly aided by a clear presentation of the
situation, the background, the assessment and the proposed treatment:
■■ Clarify what information should be communicated between members of
the team, and how to formulate it with the right level of detail;
■■ Anticipate the information needed by colleagues and encourage
assessment skills;
■■ Develop teamwork and foster a culture of patient safety.