This document explains the SBAR communication format, which stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. SBAR is designed to streamline information exchange between individuals by structuring the exchange in a clear, efficient manner. It allows the listener to quickly understand the context of an issue (Situation), pertinent details (Background), the presenter's evaluation of the issue (Assessment), and the action being requested (Recommendation). Used properly, SBAR can effectively bring another person up to speed on a problem or situation in under 30 seconds.

1. As someone who works in the
ER, I’m always looking for
things to do with all my spare
time.
So please, tell me what the
patient had for breakfast and
what their favourite colour is
before you actually get to the
point.
How to
SBAR
and why it’s good for everyone.
JEFFREY KLASSEN - therescueparty.wordpress.com

2. S
B
A
R
SBAR is a format for conveying information clearly and
efficiently.
It is designed to streamline the thinking of both
the person speaking and the person listening.
It can be used to bring another person (any person) up
to speed in almost no time.

3. S
B
A
R
Situation
Let your listener know what you’re
dealing with right off the hop. It
allows them to focus on the rest of
your message.
“There is a potential airway issue in stretcher 2.”
“We have a hypotensive patient going into resus.”
“There is a potentially suicidal patient in IR that is trying to leave.”
Examples:

4. S
B
A
R
Background
Now the listener can pay attention to
the pertinent details knowing exactly
where the story is headed.
“He is a young man, stung by a bee one hour ago and has a known allergy.”
“She is a dialysis patient with multiple comorbidities. She has been coughing for
4 days and is febrile.”
“He was brought on a form by police but they were told to leave an
hour ago. He was drunk when they got here but has sobered up and is
sick of waiting.”
Examples:

5. S
B
A
R
Assessment
The listener knows the background.
Now you can tell them what you’ve seen
and heard that is prompting the
request.
“He is stridorous and has obvious swelling to his face.”
“She is pale and minimally responsive. She looks very sick. I think she’s septic.”
“He has become agitated and is yelling at staff. He still seems
confused. I am concerned he will become violent.”
Examples:

6. S
B
A
R
Request/Recommendation
Here is where you make it obvious you
want the listener to get involved. Even
if you think you’ve painted a clear
picture, the listener needs to know
exactly what you want from him/her.
“Please come see him about intubation and epinephrine.”
“The doctor hasn’t seen her yet. Please let him know right away and watch this
patient closely.”
“We need your security team right away as we may need to restrain
and sedate him.”
Examples:

7. S
B
A
R
...and you’re done! In less than 30
seconds the listener knows the problem
(situation), the important details
(background), why you’re worried
(assessment), and what you want from
them (request/recommendation).