COMMUNICATION SKILLS

SBARR

The SBARR system for communication was first used in the US Military and aviation industries to provide a framework for quick and effective communication. It has since been utilised in healthcare to allow doctors and nurses to relay information in a controlled and standardised way to ensure all pertinent information is discussed. It is especially useful in an acute situation to summarise all the key facts.

SITUATION

• Who
• Where
• What
• When
• Why

State who and where you are. What has happened, when and why did it start?

BACKGROUND

State the patient’s

• name
• gender
• past medical history
• diagnosis
• progress
• interventions
• key recent investigation results
• DNAR status (do not attempt resuscitation) order

ASSESSMENT

What is the

• Diagnosis
• Underlying cause
• NEWS

RECOMMENDATION

What are your recommendations for:

• Management plan?
• Further investigations?
• Whether senior review is required?
• Is transfer to higher level of care required?

READBACK / RESPONSE

Document the respondent's

• Name
• Grade
• Bleep number
• Their advice
• When it should be done