The SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) technique provides a framework for communication between members of the health care 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 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.

When you download this tool, you will find two documents. The document, “SBAR report to physician about a critical situation,” is a worksheet/script that a provider can use to organize information in preparation for communicating with a physician about a critically ill patient. The document, “Guidelines for Communicating with Physicians Using the SBAR Process,” explains how to carry out the SBAR technique in detail. You will notice that both the worksheet/script and the guidelines use the physician team member as the example; however, they can be adapted for use with all other health professionals.

When you download this tool, you will find two documents. The document, “SBAR report to physician about a critical situation,” is a worksheet that helps you perform the SBAR technique. The one titled, “Guidelines for Communicating with Physicians Using the SBAR Process,” explains how to implement the SBAR technique in detail. You will notice that both the worksheet and the guidelines use the physician team member as the example; however, they can be adapted for use with all other health professionals.

**Please note that the file is in ZIP format, and contains two PDF files. Windows XP will automatically open the ZIP file; for other operating systems a tool like WinZip (or other free alternatives) should be used.

Related Literature

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