SBAR

Preventing Data Communication Errors

-Use a standardized method of data communication such as SBAR -communicate face to face with good eye contact -allow time for receiver to ask questions -Provide documentation of the data you are sharing. -Validate what the receiver has heard by questioning or asking him or her to summarize your report. -When reporting over telephone, ask the receiver to read back what he or she heard you report and document the phone call with time, receiver, sender, and info shared

SBAR Example from PPT

-situation: "Here's the situation: Mrs. Smith is having increasing dyspnea and is complaining of chest pain." -Background: "The supporting background information is that she had a total knee replacement two days ago. About two hours ago she began complaining of chest pain. Her pulse is 120 and her blood pressure is 128 over 54. She is restless and short of breath." -key info is that she had a total knee replacement (making assumptions she has not been walking around). -assessment: "My assessment of the situation is that she may be having a cardiac event or a pulmonary embolism." -use critical thinking skills -what causes shortness of breath: asthma, pulmonary embolism, cardiac events - want O2 saturation, do pulse ox -recommendation: "I recommend that you see her immediately and that we start her on O2 stat. Do you agree?" -start 2 liters of oxygen

SBAR components according to Joint Commission

-situation: clearly and briefly describe the current situation -background: provide clear, relevant background info on the patient. -assessment: State your professional conclusion, based on the situation and background. -recommendation: Tell the person with whom you're communicating what you need from him or her, in a clear and relevant way.

SBAR Benefits

It gives clinicians a specific, unambiguous way to communicate critical information to one another, leaving little room for error and minimizing the chance that a miscommunication will cause patient deterioration. A concise way to communicate with providers and other HCPs The Joint Commission recognizes it as a best practice for standardizing communication among HCPs. Has been shown to improve quality and patient safety outcomes when used by health team members to communicate or hand off client information.

SBAR history

The SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation) was originally developed by the US Navy as a way to communicate with nuclear submarines. Adopted into healthcare system in 1990s and is now used worldwide. 2002 introduced to rapid response teams.

Enacting on SBAR briefing

The process for enacting on SBAR briefing: -Organize info first, so it's clear before communication begins. Only communicate relevant info. -When presenting a briefing, be clear and concise, and use each element of SBAR to communicate the relevant info. -Work with the other person to arrive at the required action. If he or she needs o clarify info or ask follow-ip questions, assist with this. -need vital signs when giving info about the patient. Both previous and current.