In which situation would a nurse be required to use the SBAR communication model?

The SBAR communication model—standing for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation—provides a structured method for conveying important information clearly and concisely. It is particularly vital during handoffs of patient information, such as during shift changes, where ensuring accurate communication can significantly impact patient safety and continuity of care.

Using SBAR in this context allows the nurse to systematically outline the current situation of the patient (Situation), provide relevant background information (Background), share their clinical assessment (Assessment), and suggest what needs to be done or the plan for care (Recommendation). This structure helps prevent miscommunication and ensures that critical information is effectively communicated between nurses, which can prevent medical errors and facilitate proper patient care.

In other settings, such as during patient education, discussions with family members, or medication administration, communication may not require the same structured approach as is needed when transferring clinical responsibility for patient care. While clear communication is important in all these contexts, the urgency and complexity of information transfer during shift changes necessitate the precise and organized framework that SBAR provides.