Lecture Notes: SBAR Communication for Nurses

Introduction to SBAR

• Presenter: Sarah from RegisteredNurseAriane.com
• Topic: SBAR communication for nurse to physician interactions
• Purpose: To simplify and organize communication in healthcare

What is SBAR?

• Acronym: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
• Goal: Facilitate clear, focused, and systematic communication
• Advantages:
  • Keeps communication organized
  • Eliminates unnecessary information
  • Reduces confusion and follow-up questions

Application of SBAR

• Interprofessional Communication:
  • Nurse to physician, nurse practitioner, or PA
  • Nurse to nurse during patient handoff or transfers
  • Nurse to other healthcare professionals (e.g., therapists)

Preparing to Use SBAR

• Preparation Steps:
  • Use a pre-made SBAR layout if available
  • Review patient's chart thoroughly
  • Gather vital signs, progress notes, current medications, and lab results
  • Have all necessary information accessible during communication

SBAR Structure and Components

Situation

• Purpose: Explain why you are communicating
• Steps:
  • Greet the listener (e.g., "Hello Dr. [Name]")
  • Identify yourself and your unit
  • State patient's name and room
  • Briefly state the purpose of your communication

Background

• Purpose: Provide context for the situation
• Content:
  • Patient's diagnosis and admission date
  • Relevant health history and current health problems
  • Medications, allergies, lab results, procedures, and consults

Assessment

• Purpose: Share your assessment of the situation
• Content:
  • Vital signs and relevant physical findings
  • State your assessment of the problem (e.g., respiratory, cardiac)
  • If uncertain, express concern about the patient's stability

Recommendation

• Purpose: Communicate what you need or suggest
• Content:
  • Specific requests for orders, tests, or actions
  • Ask for guidance if unsure

Example Scenario

• Patient: Admitted with cardiomyopathy, deteriorating condition
• Communication Outline:
  • Situation: Introduce, identify yourself, express concern about dyspnea and hypertension
  • Background: Explain admission reason, medical history, current medications
  • Assessment: Describe symptoms (crackles, low oxygen saturation, edema, high blood pressure)
  • Recommendation: Suggest changes in medication or diagnostic tests
• Follow-Up:
  • Confirm and document any orders from the physician

Conclusion

• Wrap-Up: Ensure all communication is documented
• Further Learning: More videos available in the series

These notes summarize the key points of using the SBAR method effectively in nurse to physician communication, offering a structured approach to ensure concise and effective exchanges regarding patient care.