SBAR reporting (Orientation Day 2)

​S.B.A.R. Reporting

N321 Clinical Orientation
J. Stewart, MSN, RN

Objectives

• Define parts of the SBAR communication tool

• Understand use of SBAR for contacting a provider

• Understand use of SBAR for nursing hand-off report

• Participate in taking report using the SBAR communication tool

Communication tool to allow sharing of information quickly and concisely

S (situation)
B (background)
A (assessment)
R (recommendation/request)

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"Hi Mom, I'm calling about the car. The engine warning light just came on."​

"I was on my way home from work, driving on the highway. I've been noticing a weird sound for a few days, kind of a slight rattling, but I didn't think it was a big deal until the light turned on. The car hasn't overheated or anything, and I pulled over at a gas station to be safe."​

"I think there might be something seriously wrong with the engine. It's not just a low tire or something simple. I don't feel safe driving it any further, as it could cause more damage."​

"I'd like to call a tow truck to take it to the mechanic, and I need you to help me decide which mechanic to go to. I'll need a ride home after it's towed."​

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• Situation: "Hi Mom, I'm calling about the car. The engine warning light just came on."​

• Background: "I was on my way home from work, driving on the highway. I've been noticing a weird sound for a few days, kind of a slight rattling, but I didn't think it was a big deal until the light turned on. The car hasn't overheated or anything, and I pulled over at a gas station to be safe."​

• Assessment: "I think there might be something seriously wrong with the engine. It's not just a low tire or something simple. I don't feel safe driving it any further, as it could cause more damage."​

• Recommendation: "I'd like to call a tow truck to take it to the mechanic, and I need you to help me decide which mechanic to go to. I'll need a ride home after it's towed."​

Multiple Choice

"Hi, I'm calling because I have a flat tire on my car and I'm stuck on the side of the road.​

I was driving to work this morning on I 44. I hit a pothole about a half mile past the Joplin exit, and my low-pressure tire light came on. I pulled over to check, and the front passenger-side tire is completely flat. ​The tire is not repairable on the side of the road. I don't have a spare tire or the tools to change it myself. The car is safely off the road, and I've turned on my hazard lights. I need a tow truck to take my car to a service station, and I'd like to get a quote for a new tire. Can you let me know how long it will be before a tow truck can get to me?"​

• Situation

• Background

• Assessment

• Recommendation/Request

Multiple Choice

"Hi, I'm calling because I have a flat tire on my car and I'm stuck on the side of the road.​

I was driving to work this morning on I 44. I hit a pothole about a half mile past the Joplin exit, and my low-pressure tire light came on. I pulled over to check, and the front passenger-side tire is completely flat. ​The tire is not repairable on the side of the road. I don't have a spare tire or the tools to change it myself. The car is safely off the road, and I've turned on my hazard lights. I need a tow truck to take my car to a service station, and I'd like to get a quote for a new tire. Can you let me know how long it will be before a tow truck can get to me?"​

• Situation

• Background

• Assessment

• Recommendation/Request

Multiple Choice

"Hi, I'm calling because I have a flat tire on my car and I'm stuck on the side of the road.​

I was driving to work this morning on I 44. I hit a pothole about a half mile past the Joplin exit, and my low-pressure tire light came on. I pulled over to check, and the front passenger-side tire is completely flat. ​The tire is not repairable on the side of the road. I don't have a spare tire or the tools to change it myself. The car is safely off the road, and I've turned on my hazard lights. I need a tow truck to take my car to a service station, and I'd like to get a quote for a new tire. Can you let me know how long it will be before a tow truck can get to me?"​

• Situation

• Background

• Assessment

• Recommendation/Request

Multiple Choice

"Hi, I'm calling because I have a flat tire on my car and I'm stuck on the side of the road.​

I was driving to work this morning on I 44. I hit a pothole about a half mile past the Joplin exit, and my low-pressure tire light came on. I pulled over to check, and the front passenger-side tire is completely flat. ​The tire is not repairable on the side of the road. I don't have a spare tire or the tools to change it myself. The car is safely off the road, and I've turned on my hazard lights. I need a tow truck to take my car to a service station, and I'd like to get a quote for a new tire. Can you let me know how long it will be before a tow truck can get to me?"​

• Situation

• Background

• Assessment

• Recommendation/Request

Your turn to practice

Using the SBAR provided, please put the information into the appropriate places:
Situation, background, assessment, recommendation/request

This is Mr. Miller, he is a 65-year-old male admitted yesterday for community-acquired pneumonia. He is currently stable and resting comfortably. He has a history of hypertension and COPD. He was started on IV Ceftriaxone yesterday. His last dose was at 08:00. He is currently on 2L of oxygen via nasal cannula, which is a decrease from 4L on admission. Vital signs are stable: BP 132/78, Heart Rate 82, and O₂ saturation is 95% on 2L via nasal cannula. His lung sounds are still slightly diminished in the right lower lobe with some crackles, but his cough is becoming more productive. He is alert and oriented, he has a 20 gauge IV in the left forearm that is saline locked. We should continue the current oxygen titration to keep him above 92%. He is scheduled for a repeat chest X-ray at 14:00 today. The hospitalist also wants him up in the chair for all meals to help with lung expansion, so he’ll need a bit of assistance with his first walk of the shift.