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Notes

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

img1.jpgBefore calling physician, have available the Pt’s chart, list of current medications, allergies, IV fluids, most recent vital signs, lab and other diagnostic tests with previous tests (if available) for comparison, and code status.

SIdentify SITUATION you are calling about:
  • Identify self, unit, Pt name, and room number.
  • Identify admitting physician if speaking to resident on call or physician.
  • Briefly state the presenting problem: What it is, time of onset, and severity.
BDescribe BACKGROUND information related to situation:
  • Admitting diagnosis, recent surgeries, code status.
  • Vital signs and pertinent assessment data.
  • Medications, allergies, IV fluids, lab and diagnostic test results.
ADescribe ASSESSMENT of situation:
  • What do you see?
  • What is your impression?
  • Examples may include allergic reaction, bleed, infection, MI, etc.
RPresent RECOMMENDATION on what you would like:
  • Pt needs to be seen now.
  • Order change or new orders.
  • Physician input.

Developed by Michael Leonard, MD, Doug Bonacum, and Suzanne Graham at Kaiser Permanente of Colorado, Evergreen, Colorado, USA.