Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation — for clinical escalation and handover.
SBAR is a structured communication framework originally developed by the US Navy and adopted widely in healthcare. It provides a reliable, predictable format for sharing critical clinical information, particularly during escalation and handover.
State clearly who you are, who the patient is, and the immediate concern. Be direct. "I am calling about Mr Smith in bed 4 — he has become acutely short of breath in the last 30 minutes and I am concerned."
Provide the relevant clinical context: the patient's diagnosis, reason for admission, relevant medical history, current medications and any recent changes in their condition.
Your clinical interpretation: what you think is happening and why. State your current vital signs and relevant examination findings. "His observations are: HR 120, BP 90/60, RR 28, SpO2 88% on 15L. I think he may be in septic shock."
Be explicit about what you need. "I need you to come and review him immediately." or "I would like you to prescribe IV antibiotics now please." A good recommendation makes the required action unambiguous.
SBAR CLINICAL COMMUNICATION ===================================== DATE: ___________ TIME: ___________ CALLING: ______________________________ CALLING FROM: _________________________ CALLING: ______________________________ PATIENT: ______________________________ DOB: _____________ Location: __________ S — SITUATION ------------------------------------------- "I am calling about [patient name], [age], in [location]." Immediate concern: [What is happening RIGHT NOW] "I am concerned because..." B — BACKGROUND ------------------------------------------- Admitted: ___________ Reason for admission: Diagnosis: Relevant PMH: Current medications: Recent changes: O — OBSERVATIONS (current) HR: ___ BP: ___/___ RR: ___ Temp: ___ SpO2: ___ BM: ___ NEWS: ___ GCS: ___ A — ASSESSMENT ------------------------------------------- "I think the problem is..." [Your clinical interpretation] "I am concerned because..." R — RECOMMENDATION ------------------------------------------- "I need you to..." □ Come and review immediately □ Review within ___ minutes □ Advise on management □ Prescribe: ___________________ □ Arrange transfer to: __________ If no response expected in ___ mins, I will escalate to: ________________ SIGNATURE: ____________ DATE: _________