SBAR Communication in Nursing: Template & Examples

What Is SBAR?

SBAR is a structured communication framework used in healthcare to ensure clear, concise, and complete information transfer between providers. It reduces communication errors: a leading cause of sentinel events.

The SBAR Framework

S: Situation

What is happening RIGHT NOW?

• "I'm calling about Mr. Smith in room 412"
• "He is experiencing acute onset chest pain and shortness of breath"
• State the problem clearly and urgently

B: Background

What is the relevant clinical context?

• Admitting diagnosis and date
• Relevant medical history
• Current medications and treatments
• Recent changes in condition
• Relevant lab/diagnostic results

A: Assessment

What do YOU think is going on?

• Your clinical judgment based on the data
• "I believe the patient may be having an MI"
• Vital signs and assessment findings
• Changes from baseline

R: Recommendation

What do you want the provider to do?

• Be specific: "I recommend an EKG and troponin level"
• "Would you like to come evaluate the patient?"
• "Do you want to order morphine for pain?"
• Ask for read-back if receiving verbal orders

Clinical Example

Calling the attending about a deteriorating patient:

S: "Dr. Johnson, this is Nurse Martinez calling from 4 North about your patient Mrs. Williams in 418. She's developed acute onset shortness of breath and her oxygen saturation has dropped to 86%."

B: "She was admitted yesterday for COPD exacerbation. She's been on 2L NC and nebulizer treatments every 4 hours. Her last ABG this morning showed pH 7.33, PaCO2 52. She has a history of CHF and her last BNP was 890."

A: "I've increased her O2 to 4L NC and her SpO2 is now 90%. She has bilateral crackles that weren't present this morning, and her respiratory rate is 28. I'm concerned she may be developing pulmonary edema in addition to her COPD exacerbation."

R: "I'd like to get a stat chest X-ray, repeat ABG, and BNP. Would you also like to order furosemide 40mg IV? Would you be able to come evaluate her?"

When to Use SBAR

• Calling a physician/provider
• Nurse-to-nurse handoff (shift change)
• Rapid response team activation
• Transfer between units
• Any situation requiring urgent communication

Tips for Effective SBAR

1. Prepare before calling: gather vital signs, labs, chart info
2. Be concise: respect the provider's time
3. Have the chart ready: anticipate questions
4. State your concern clearly: don't minimize
5. Request specific actions: be direct about what you need
6. Read back verbal orders: for safety

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Where to go next

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