SBAR is a communication tool used widely in healthcare. It’s designed to make conversations clearer and more structured, particularly when passing on information that’s urgent or important.
The acronym stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. Each part prompts the speaker to focus on the key details, so the message is easy to follow and nothing essential gets missed.
The main reason SBAR is used in clinical settings is because it helps teams speak the same language when time matters most. Whether it’s during a shift handover, a quick update on a patient, or when raising concerns, SBAR keeps communication focused and consistent. It’s a practical way to reduce confusion, improve teamwork, and support safer care.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Situation – Start with what’s happening right now. What’s the immediate issue or concern? This should be short and direct, just enough to set the scene.
Background – Provide relevant context. This might include the patient’s diagnosis, medical history, or anything that helps explain why the current situation matters.
Assessment – Share your observations or clinical judgement. What do you think is going on? Are there any red flags?
Recommendation – Finish with what you need. Are you asking for a review, a test, or a change in treatment? Be clear about what action you’re suggesting.
When Should SBAR Be Used?
SBAR can be used in a range of clinical situations, but it’s especially helpful when communication needs to be clear, concise, and to the point. It’s often used during patient handovers, when escalating a concern to a senior colleague, or when updating other members of the multidisciplinary team.
It’s particularly valuable in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations. For example, if a nurse needs to inform a doctor about a sudden change in a patient’s condition, using SBAR can help ensure that the key details are delivered in a way that’s quick to understand and act on.
During patient handovers, SBAR provides a structured approach to sharing relevant information without missing anything important. It helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page, which is crucial when care is being transferred from one team or shift to another.
By encouraging a shared communication style across roles and departments, SBAR helps build confidence, reduce errors, and support safer decision-making.
How Do I Implement SBAR?
Putting SBAR into practice isn’t complicated, but it does take a bit of habit-building. The key is to stay focused on what matters most in the moment, using each part of the framework to guide the conversation.
If you’re new to using SBAR, it can help to start with a template or prompt card, especially during training or team rollouts. Many NHS trusts and healthcare organisations provide these as part of communication toolkits. Some electronic health record systems also have SBAR-style forms built in to support consistency across documentation and verbal updates.
With regular use, SBAR becomes second nature and a way to keep conversations focused and patient care on track.
What Are the Benefits of Using SBAR?
From a patient safety perspective, SBAR reduces the risk of miscommunication. By providing a consistent structure, it ensures that critical details aren’t lost in translation (especially when different professionals are working together under pressure).
It also supports better collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. When everyone uses the same format, it’s easier to share information, understand each other’s thinking, and make joint decisions. Whether it’s a nurse handing over to a doctor, or a physiotherapist updating a care team, SBAR helps align the conversation.
For staff, it can build confidence too. Having a clear framework takes some of the guesswork out of high-stakes conversations. It makes it easier to speak up, raise concerns, and be heard.
Ultimately, SBAR isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about making communication clearer, faster, and safer – for both patients and the people looking after them.
What Challenges Might Arise with SBAR?
One of the most common challenges is inconsistency. If not everyone is familiar with SBAR or comfortable using it, the flow of communication can break down. Some staff may default to their usual way of speaking, while others stick rigidly to the format, which can lead to awkward or incomplete exchanges.
Time pressure can also be a barrier. In fast-paced clinical settings, it might feel quicker to just “say it as it is.” But without structure, the risk of missed or misunderstood information increases—especially during handovers or when escalating a concern.
There’s also the issue of confidence. Junior staff or those newer to the team might feel unsure about making recommendations, particularly if they’re worried about overstepping. That’s where team culture and support from leadership make a big difference.
To make SBAR work well, it needs to be part of the routine. Training, practice, and role-modelling from senior staff can help build familiarity. Visual aids, like posters or prompt cards, are useful reminders in clinical areas. And encouraging a culture where speaking up is valued will help SBAR feel like a supportive tool rather than a scripted requirement.
How Can I Practice SBAR Effectively?
Like any communication skill, SBAR gets easier the more you use it. While the format itself is straightforward, developing confidence in real conversations takes practice.
One of the best ways to build that confidence is through role-playing or simulation exercises. Many training sessions include mock scenarios where staff take turns using SBAR to hand over patients or escalate concerns. These sessions provide a safe space to practise, make mistakes, and get feedback without the pressure of a real clinical environment.
Practising with colleagues can also help. Running through a few example cases together during team meetings or inductions can make SBAR feel more natural. It’s a good way to spot what works, what feels forced, and where there might be gaps in how the team uses it.
For those wanting to go further, plenty of resources are available. NHS trusts often offer SBAR templates, checklists, and quick-reference guides as part of broader communication training. Some professional bodies and education platforms also include case studies or online modules to help embed SBAR into daily practice.
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s clarity. And with a bit of practice, SBAR becomes less of a tool you think about and more of a habit that supports better care.
SBAR has earned its place in clinical practice not because it’s complicated, but because it works. In environments where clarity can’t be compromised, having a shared approach to communication helps keep everyone on track – whether you’re handing over a patient, raising a concern, or collaborating across disciplines.
Like any tool, SBAR is most effective when it’s used with intention. It’s not about following a script word for word, but about creating space for the right information to be heard at the right time. With a bit of practice, it becomes less about the structure itself and more about what it enables: safer care, stronger teamwork, and more confident communication.
For healthcare teams looking to improve how they communicate under pressure, SBAR offers a simple starting point and a solid foundation.
Looking for other ways to improve your skills as a healthcare professional? Try our article on the Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle and see how you can improve the way you learn from practical situations .
