SBAR Templates

What is an SBAR Template?

The Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) strategy is an effective communication technique in nursing. SBAR aims to provide a concise and structured approach for healthcare professionals when communicating important and complex information about patient safety and care.

SBAR involves clearly and precisely describing the situation by outlining the background, current assessment, and recommended next steps. This structured format ensures that all key points are discussed and reduces confusion when communicating with other healthcare professionals or patients.

A healthcare team can use an SBAR Template to simplify their situation and background assessment process. This template provides a concise outline for healthcare professionals to easily communicate patient information and ensure critical aspects are not forgotten.

Adopting an SBAR approach helps reduce errors in diagnosis by providing a common language for clinicians to share health information quickly and accurately across different settings. It also enables nurses to effectively convey vital information during emergencies or when working remotely from colleagues who can offer input or assistance on patient care decisions.

How does our template work?

Our printable SBAR Template offers sections where you can jot down critical information for each area - Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. You can then use this template to communicate your thoughts concisely and quickly when discussing patient care with other healthcare professionals. 

Here's how to use this SBAR form:

Step 1: Access the template

You can download the free SBAR Template using the link on this page or via the Carepatron app. You can also get a copy from our resources library.

Step 2: Fill out patient details

Use the worksheet to document the patient's name, age, and chief complaint, among other information. The chief complaint is the primary reason why the patient sought medical attention.

Step 3: Document the situation and assessment

Use the template to document the patient's current situation and medical assessment. This includes their vital signs, medications, history, physical examination results, and other relevant information.

Step 4: Note recommendations

In the Recommendation section, list your recommended course of action for the patient's care. Be sure to include any treatments or follow-up steps you think are necessary.

Step 5: Share the form

When you're done, please share your SBAR report with your colleagues. You can hand the printed copy to colleagues or upload a digital version for remote colleagues.

Step 6: Follow up

Follow up with your colleagues to ensure everyone is on the same page when providing patient care. Using this printable SBAR Template, you can easily communicate critical information and ensure everyone is informed about the best course of action for your patient.

When would you use this template?

You can utilize this SBAR Template whenever you need to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals about a patient's condition. Moreover, you can use this form to:

When informing teammates about the best course of action

Using this template, you can ensure that all decisions are made with the same level of knowledge and understanding. This will help ensure that patients get the highest quality care possible.

When keeping track of treatments and follow-up steps

The SBAR Template can be used to easily keep track of treatments administered and any follow-up steps that should be taken. It helps with the proper continuity of care for the patient.

When facilitating handoffs and transfers

The SBAR Template is handy during handoffs and transfers of patient care between different healthcare providers or shifts. You can use this form to accurately communicate crucial information, including your patient's current situation, relevant background information, assessment of the patient's condition, and any recommendations for ongoing care.

Communication during emergencies

The SBAR Template enables efficient and focused communication in critical situations or emergencies. It allows you to quickly provide the necessary information to the next caregiver so that they can take over with certainty.

Who is this free SBAR Template for?

We designed the SBAR Template to be extremely versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of healthcare professionals. The following personnel can benefit from this template:

• Nurses
• Caregivers
• Physicians
• Case managers
• Clinical staff
• Emergency medical technicians
• Paramedics
• Medical students and residents
• Administrative personnel

This form can also be used in long-term care facilities, home health agencies, hospices, and private practices. No matter your role, the SBAR Template is designed to help provide the highest quality patient care.

Benefits of using this free SBAR Template

This printable SBAR Template offers numerous advantages, including:

It's easy to use

Our free SBAR Template is designed for your convenience. It's straightforward and user-friendly, so you'll have no trouble understanding how to use it.

It's completely digital

This SBAR Template is 100% digital. You can access it from any device with an internet connection, which makes it ideal for sharing with other healthcare providers and patients. Of course, you can choose to print it if you wish.

It helps keep the patient safe

The SBAR Template is an excellent way to ensure that all pertinent information is communicated between caregivers. It allows for a seamless transition of care with the patient's safety as the top priority.

It reduces errors

Using this SBAR Template can reduce standard errors and omissions in patient care. It also serves as a reminder of important information that may have been missed or forgotten during communication between caregivers.