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SBAR HANDOFF COMMUNICATION
Standardized Communication Tool for Patient Handoffs
Patient Name
Room #
MRN
Date/Time
S
SITUATION - What is happening right now?
I am calling about:
The patient's current status/chief complaint:
The situation I am calling about is:
Urgent
Change in condition
Update
Shift handoff
New admission
B
BACKGROUND - What is the clinical context?
Admitting diagnosis / Reason for admission:
Relevant medical history:
Code Status:
Full Code
DNR
DNI
Comfort Care
Allergies:
Key medications / Recent changes:
A
ASSESSMENT - What do I think the problem is?
Current Vital Signs:
BP
HR
RR
Temp
SpO2
Pain
My assessment of the situation is:
I am concerned because:
Changes from baseline / What's different:
R
RECOMMENDATION - What do I think should be done?
I recommend / I request:
Pending tasks / Follow-up needed:
Safety concerns / Things to watch for:
Expected disposition / Plan:
READ-BACK VERIFICATION
Receiving provider has verbally confirmed understanding of the handoff information
Questions asked by receiving provider:
Giving Report - Name/Title
Signature
Date/Time
Receiving Report - Name/Title
Signature
Date/Time
SBAR COMMUNICATION TIPS
Be concise and organized - prepare before calling
State your name, unit, and patient name upfront
Use objective data and avoid assumptions
Be clear about what you need from the other person
Always confirm read-back for verbal orders
Document the communication in the patient record