SBAR
Ineffective communication in the healthcare system is one of the most common causes of adverse patient outcomes. Many healthcare systems do not utilize standard communication tools to ensure quality communication between healthcare providers. As healthcare providers, we must focus on ways to communicate effectively to ensure giving accurate patient information. Originally, SBAR was initiated to give providers an organized way of presenting information about changes in a patient’s status. The system was so successful that it is now commonly used when presenting any new information between members of the interdisciplinary team.
When a health coach conducts an oral history or has any other interaction, they may come across information they believe should be communicated to the patient's provider. Health coaches can incorporate the SBAR model to facilitate this communication. Using a standardized form will ensure that all pertinent information will be presented to the provider in an organized manner. Having this model as a guideline will also guarantee that the health coach has asked the appropriate questions and addressed key points when working with the patient.
SBAR Format
S= Situation
B= Background
A= Assessment
R= Recommendation
When a health coach conducts an oral history or has any other interaction, they may come across information they believe should be communicated to the patient's provider. Health coaches can incorporate the SBAR model to facilitate this communication. Using a standardized form will ensure that all pertinent information will be presented to the provider in an organized manner. Having this model as a guideline will also guarantee that the health coach has asked the appropriate questions and addressed key points when working with the patient.
SBAR Format
S= Situation
- Explain what is going on with the patient, present the chief complaint
- 5-10 seconds
- “This is______. I’m calling about…”
B= Background
- Provide a detailed clinical background or context
- Pertinent history
- Objective data
- “This patient has…”
A= Assessment
- Explain what YOU think the problem is
- “I think the problem is…”
R= Recommendation
- Offer a recommendation; what do you think needs to be done?
- Give a time frame if possible
- Make sure the recommendation falls within one’s scope of practice. For example, a health coach is not in the position to recommend a chest x-ray, but would certainly be able to recommend nutritional counseling for a diabetic patient.
- “I request that you/I recommend…”
SBAR Worksheet
Feel free to use this sample document as a guide when communicating with your interdisciplinary team. Phone calls to healthcare providers may be simplified using this effective model. This is also a great way to organize information gathered from encounters with your patients.
sbar_worksheet.doc | |
File Size: | 29 kb |
File Type: | doc |
sbar_worksheet.pdf | |
File Size: | 32 kb |
File Type: |
Next: Now, let's practice with some case studies!