SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is a communication tool used in healthcare settings to relay patient information from one provider to another—for example, from a nurse to a physician. Effective use of SBAR allows a healthcare professional to quickly step into a situation before reviewing more detailed records.
The SBAR technique was initially developed by the U.S. military in the 1940s as a way to relay information on nuclear submarines quickly. Since then, SBAR has become a component of safety protocol in a wide variety of professions.
SBAR gained popularity in healthcare as a way to prevent miscommunication when transferring patients between caregivers. The information contained in an SBAR can be communicated verbally or in writing.
Components of the SBAR Procedure
The four components of the SBAR procedure are designed to be concise, ensuring that only the most critical information is passed along. Here is a breakdown of what’s typically included.
Situations Where SBAR Is Used
While the SBAR technique can be applied in many healthcare scenarios, there are some common situations where it is standard practice. These situations include shift changes and when a patient gets transferred to another unit. More detailed information can be found in a patient’s chart, but SBAR assures that providers are aware of critical information ahead of time.
SBAR is also useful in emergency situations, such as when many caregivers might be called into service quickly. Due to the popularity of the protocol, most healthcare IT systems will include some sort of SBAR tool.
How TempDev Can Help With SBAR
TempDev's team of NextGen consultants, developers, and trainers support your needs whether you're looking to implement, switch, or even upgrade your current EHR system. From dashboards and revenue cycle consulting to automation and workflow redesign, TempDev offers the tools you need to make the most of your NextGen EHR system, with top tips and tricks that will ensure your success now and in the future.
With TempDev's NextGen dashboards, templates, and reports, you can better support your patients' needs. Our team is here to help you design, organize, and implement the whole system and is on hand to offer tips and guidance based on industry best practices.
Contact us here or by calling us at 888.TEMP.DEV to get the help you need to work with your SBAR practices.
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