What is: Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation (SBAR)

SBAR is a framework for structuring written and verbal communication. An SBAR outlines the situation, its background, an assessment of the situation and recommendations for addressing it.

Why use an SBAR?

An SBAR has the following benefits. It:

makes communication clear and structured
facilitates communication across disciplines and different staff levels
provides a concise overview of problems or situations, their background and an assessment of options
includes recommended action.

When should I use an SBAR brief?

SBAR briefs can be used for:

passing on information about patients or staff issues
telephone conversations regarding patients, staff members or stakeholders
escalating concerns
communicating key facts.

SBAR briefs should not be used when:

you’re seeking approval or endorsement
you require financial information
you need to include an attachment with your brief.

What do I need to do?

Make sure you understand which matters or issues should be communicated using an SBAR.
Check that all the information in an SBAR is factual and accurate.
Check that SBARs are clear, understandable and brief.
Check that each section has been properly addressed.
- Situation—have you given a clear and concise statement of the problem?
- Background—have you provided relevant and succinct information related to the situation?
- Assessment—have you given some analysis of the situation, including results from any consultation? Have you discussed options?
- Recommendation—have you recommended the action you think should be taken to address the problem?