Did You Know Poor Communication Costs Healthcare $12 Billion Annually? Master the SBAR Template to Boost Efficiency and Reduce Burnout
This guide provides a detailed SBAR template with real examples, practical tips for implementation, and insights into how AI in healthcare amplifies its benefits. Download our printable SBAR report template with instructions at the end to start improving your workflows today.
The SBAR template is a structured communication tool designed to ensure clarity during patient handoffs, shift changes, or critical updates. It breaks down communication into four key components:
- Situation: What is happening right now?
- Background: What led to this situation?
- Assessment: What do you think is going on?
- Recommendation: What should be done next?
By standardizing communication, SBAR minimizes errors, improves nurse-to-nurse communication, and supports structured communication in healthcare. For example, a SBAR nursing example for shift change ensures incoming staff have all critical patient details, reducing the risk of oversight.
Physicians and nurses spend up to 50% of their time on documentation, contributing to burnout rates as high as 60% among clinicians (AMA, 2023). By using a SBAR documentation template, providers can reduce documentation time by 20-30%, freeing them to focus on patient care. AI tools like S10.AI’s artificial intelligence tool further enhance this by automating SBAR-based charting, integrating with any EHR, and supporting all medical specialties.
Creating an SBAR report example is straightforward with the right structure. Follow these steps to craft a clear, concise, and effective SBAR report:
- What to Include: Briefly describe the current issue or reason for communication. Be specific but concise.
- SBAR Example: “This is Nurse Jane calling about Mr. Smith in Room 204, who is experiencing shortness of breath.”
Tip: Lead with the patient’s name, location, and the immediate concern to grab attention.
- What to Include: Provide relevant patient history, including diagnoses, vital signs, or recent interventions.
- SBAR Example: “Mr. Smith is a 65-year-old male with a history of COPD, admitted two days ago for pneumonia. His oxygen saturation was 92% this morning on 2L nasal cannula.”
Tip: Include only pertinent details to avoid overwhelming the recipient.
- What to Include: Share your clinical judgment or observations about the patient’s condition.
- SBAR Example: “His respiratory rate is now 28 breaths per minute, and he appears anxious. I suspect worsening respiratory distress.”
Tip: Be clear about what you think is happening, even if you’re not certain.
- What to Include: Suggest specific actions or next steps, including urgency.
- SBAR Example: “I recommend increasing oxygen to 4L and ordering a stat chest X-ray. Can we also consult pulmonology?”
Tip: Be direct and prioritize actionable steps to ensure clarity.
Here’s a SBAR nursing example for shift change:
- Situation: “I’m reporting on Mrs. Johnson, 72, in Room 305, who developed chest pain 30 minutes ago.”
- Background: “She has a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Her last BP was 140/90, and she received nitroglycerin 20 minutes ago.”
- Assessment: “Her pain is now 3/10, but she’s still clammy and anxious.”
- Recommendation: “Please monitor her BP every 15 minutes and prepare for an EKG if pain worsens.”
This SBAR handoff example ensures the incoming nurse has all critical information to continue care seamlessly.
To help you implement SBAR in your practice, we’ve created a printable SBAR report template with instructions. This template includes fields for each SBAR component and is customizable for specialties like cardiology, pediatrics, or oncology.
Download Link: Get Your Free SBAR Template PDF
Features: Fillable fields, printable format, and EHR-compatible structure.
Integration with AI: Pair this template with S10.AI’s AI medical scribe to auto-populate SBAR fields directly into Epic, Cerner, or Meditech, saving up to 2 hours daily on documentation.
To illustrate the versatility of the SBAR format in healthcare communication, here are SBAR examples tailored to different scenarios:
Situation: “This is Dr. Lee reporting on John Doe, 45, in ED Bay 3, presenting with severe abdominal pain.”
Background: “He has a history of gallstones and reports nausea and vomiting for 6 hours. Vitals: BP 130/80, HR 90, temp 99.5°F.”
Assessment: “I suspect acute cholecystitis based on tenderness in the right upper quadrant.”
Recommendation: “Order an abdominal ultrasound and consult surgery. Administer IV fluids and pain management.”
Situation: “Nurse Sarah here, reporting on Mrs. Carter, 60, in Room 12, post-appendectomy.”
Background: “She had an appendectomy 12 hours ago. Current vitals: BP 120/70, HR 80, temp 100.2°F.”
Assessment: “She’s reporting increased pain at the incision site, and there’s mild redness.”
Recommendation: “Administer antibiotics as ordered and monitor for signs of infection. Notify the surgeon if redness worsens.”
These SBAR communication examples for patient reports demonstrate how the tool adapts to various clinical settings, ensuring clarity and reducing errors.
Artificial intelligence in healthcare is transforming how providers use tools like SBAR. S10.AI’s AI medical scribe, for instance, integrates with any EHR (e.g., Epic, Cerner, Allscripts) to automate SBAR documentation nursing examples. Here’s how AI tools amplify SBAR’s impact:
- Time Savings: AI scribes transcribe and organize SBAR reports in real-time, reducing documentation time by up to 50%.
- Accuracy: Natural language processing ensures accurate capture of clinical details, minimizing errors in SBAR charting guides.
- Specialty-Specific: S10.AI supports all specialties, from oncology to orthopedics, tailoring SBAR templates to unique workflows.
- Burnout Reduction: By automating repetitive tasks, AI lets clinicians focus on patient care, addressing the 60% burnout rate (AMA, 2023).
Case Study: A 200-bed hospital using S10.AI’s best AI scribe saw a 25% reduction in documentation errors and a 15% increase in patient satisfaction due to improved handoff accuracy with SBAR.
“S10.AI’s AI scribe has been a game-changer. It auto-generates SBAR reports directly into our Cerner system, saving our nurses hours each shift.” — Dr. Emily Chen, Chief of Nursing, Community Hospital
Adopting the SBAR communication tool yields measurable benefits, especially in resource-constrained settings:
- Improved Patient Safety: SBAR reduces handoff errors by 30%, according to a 2022 study by the Joint Commission.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Structured communication cuts report time by 20%, freeing staff for direct patient care.
- Cost Savings: Better communication reduces readmissions, saving hospitals an average of $1.2 million annually (AHRQ, 2023).
- Burnout Mitigation: By streamlining documentation, SBAR and AI in healthcare reduce clinician workload, addressing burnout.
1) What is an SBAR template in nursing?
An SBAR nursing template is a structured tool used by nurses to communicate critical patient information during handoffs or reports. It includes Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation sections to ensure clarity.
2) How do you write an effective SBAR report?
Follow the four-step SBAR structure: describe the situation concisely, provide relevant background, share your assessment, and offer clear recommendations. Use SBAR examples like those above for guidance.
3) Can AI improve SBAR documentation?
Yes, AI tools like S10.AI’s AI medical scribe automate SBAR report creation, integrating with EHRs like Epic and Cerner to reduce documentation time and errors.
4) What is an SBAR template?
An SBAR template is a standardized communication framework used by healthcare professionals to convey critical information about a patient's condition in a clear, concise, and structured manner. It is a tool designed to improve communication and patient safety, especially in high-stakes situations.
5) What does SBAR stand for?
SBAR is an acronym that stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. This structure helps to ensure that all vital information is covered during communication between healthcare providers.
6) Why is the SBAR format important in healthcare?
The SBAR format is crucial in healthcare because it standardizes communication, which can significantly reduce medical errors. A study by the Joint Commission International found that approximately 80% of serious medical errors are due to miscommunication. Using a tool like SBAR creates a shared expectation for what information needs to be communicated, how it should be structured, and the necessary elements to include, which fosters a culture of patient safety.
7) Who developed the SBAR communication tool?
The SBAR communication tool was originally developed by the U.S. Navy to communicate information on nuclear submarines. It was later adapted for the healthcare industry by Kaiser Permanente in 2002 to improve communication in their rapid response teams.
8) When should a nurse use the SBAR format?
Nurses and other healthcare professionals use the SBAR format in a variety of situations, including:
* During shift changes or handovers.
* When contacting a physician about a change in a patient's condition.
* In urgent or emergent situations.
* When transferring a patient to another unit or facility.
* For daily safety briefings.
9) What information should be included in the "Situation" part of an SBAR report?
The "Situation" section should be a brief and clear statement about the patient's current status. It should identify the patient, the reason for the communication, and the level of concern. For example: "Dr. Smith, this is Nurse Johnson calling from the cardiac unit. I am calling about Mr. Davis in room 201. He is experiencing new-onset chest pain."
10) What should be included in the "Background" section of an SBAR report?
The "Background" section provides relevant clinical context. This includes the patient's admitting diagnosis, date of admission, relevant medical history, a list of current medications, allergies, and recent vital signs and lab results.
11) What goes into the "Assessment" part of an SBAR?
The "Assessment" is the healthcare professional's clinical conclusion based on the situation and background. This is where you state what you believe the problem is. For example: "I believe he may be having a cardiac event." If you are unsure, you can express your concern.
12) What should be included in the "Recommendation" section?
The "Recommendation" is what you believe needs to happen next. This is where you suggest a course of action, such as a new medication, a specific test, or that the physician come to see the patient immediately. For example: "I recommend you come and see the patient immediately. Should I order an EKG in the meantime?"
13) Can you provide an example of an SBAR for a patient with chest pain?
Here is an example of an SBAR for a patient with chest pain:
* Situation: "Mr. Jones is having increased dyspnea and complaining of chest pain on the left side of his chest."
* Background: "He had his left hip replaced yesterday. He started complaining of chest pain about three hours ago. His pulse is 155, blood pressure is 134/57, and he is restless and short of breath."
* Assessment: "He may be having a pulmonary embolism or a cardiac event."
* Recommendation: "I recommend you see him immediately and start him on O2."
14) Can SBAR be used in settings other than nursing?
Yes, while SBAR is widely used in nursing, it can be adapted for use by all members of the healthcare team, including doctors, therapists, and pharmacists. The framework is also used in other industries, such as aviation and firefighting, where clear communication is critical.
15) Are there any limitations to using the SBAR format?
While SBAR is a powerful tool, it does have some limitations. Its effectiveness can be hindered if the person receiving the information is not familiar with the format. Also, some nurses may feel intimidated when making a recommendation to a physician.
16) How can I create my own SBAR template?
You can create a custom SBAR template by dividing a page into four sections: Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. You can then add prompts under each section to guide the user in providing the necessary information.
17) Is SBAR an evidence-based practice?
Yes, SBAR is considered an evidence-based practice. The Joint Commission, a leader in healthcare quality and patient safety, has endorsed SBAR as a standard for communication in healthcare. Its use is supported by literature that indicates a need for a standardized communication method to reduce adverse events.
18) How does using an SBAR template improve patient safety?
Using an SBAR template improves patient safety by ensuring that communication between healthcare providers is clear, concise, and complete. This reduces the risk of critical information being misunderstood or omitted, which in turn decreases the likelihood of medical errors. It also fosters a culture of teamwork and accountability.
19) How can continuous practice and technological tools improve the use of SBAR templates?
While the SBAR framework brings structure to clinical conversations, mastering its use can still pose a challenge—especially when shifting details may be overlooked or overemphasized. Even experienced clinicians might find themselves overreporting irrelevant information or forgetting key elements, especially during busy shifts.
Building Skill Through Repetition
Consistent practice is the foundation for effective SBAR handoffs. The more often nurses and physicians apply SBAR in daily routines—whether during patient reports, interdisciplinary rounds, or transfer notes—the more second-nature it becomes. Like learning to ride a bike, regular repetition fine-tunes recall and hones judgment about what details matter most for patient safety.
However, experience alone can't always prevent mistakes or backtrack oversight once errors slip into documentation. That's where technological advancements step in.
AI-Powered SBAR: Accuracy Elevated
AI-driven documentation solutions, like S10.AI’s AI medical scribe, take SBAR reporting to the next level. By transcribing and organizing reports in real time, these tools prompt users to address each SBAR component without omission or unnecessary elaboration. Natural language processing helps capture the clinical nuances that might be missed in fast-paced environments or lost in handwritten notes.
Hands-On Improvement: Real-World Testimonials
Clinicians who pair routine SBAR use with AI technology have reported surprising benefits. As one provider shared, reading through AI-generated SBAR outputs often highlights details from a patient interaction that might not have made it onto paper. This automated support not only saves time but also boosts confidence that the most pertinent facts were included.
In short, combining habitual SBAR practice with advanced digital solutions empowers providers to communicate clearly, reduce documentation errors, and optimize every patient handoff—ultimately making SBAR a more powerful safety net for teams and patients alike.
20) What are the recommended practices for ensuring SBAR documentation is accurate and complete?
Achieving high-quality SBAR documentation isn’t just about filling in the four sections—it’s about ensuring all information is both relevant and succinct. Even seasoned clinicians can occasionally fall into the trap of missing details or, conversely, providing too much extraneous information. Here’s how you can sidestep those pitfalls and elevate your SBAR handoffs:
Stick to the Framework
Always anchor your handoff in the SBAR structure (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation). Before starting, mentally map out what each section requires. Avoid unnecessary tangents—the best reports are focused and actionable.
Prepare Before You Communicate
Take a moment to gather up-to-date data, like recent vital signs, lab results, and pertinent medical history. Jotting down these points in advance can help ensure you include everything essential and nothing extra.
Practice Active Listening and Note Key Details
During patient encounters or team discussions, make brief, structured notes rather than trying to rely on memory. This habit reduces both omissions and clutter.
Double-Check for Completeness
After drafting your SBAR notes, quickly review each section:
Did you clearly summarize the situation and the immediate concern?
Is the relevant history present, without unnecessary background?
Are your assessment and recommendations specific and actionable?
Leverage Technology—Smartly
Consider using AI-powered medical scribe tools (like those compatible with Epic, Cerner, Meditech, and Allscripts) to auto-capture relevant points and structure them accurately. AI can help reduce pure human error, standardize formatting, and prompt you for info you might otherwise miss—all while staying securely embedded within your workflow.
Continuous Improvement
Solicit feedback from colleagues or supervisors after your handoffs. Even sharing a few anonymized SBARs with a mentor for critique can shine a light on blind spots and drive continuous quality improvement.
Embracing these practices ensures that every SBAR you produce is both comprehensive and to the point, bolstering patient safety and reducing the cognitive burden on busy clinical teams.
21) When should nurses use SBAR documentation in their workflow?
SBAR isn’t just for emergencies—it’s a practical tool that fits seamlessly into everyday nursing routines. Here’s where it shines:
Shift Handoffs: Use SBAR during change of shift to ensure incoming colleagues receive all vital patient information, reducing the chance of details slipping through the cracks.
Contacting Physicians: When calling a provider about a change in patient status or to clarify orders, SBAR streamlines the conversation and gets everyone on the same page fast.
Patient Transfers: Whether moving a patient to another unit or department, the SBAR format ensures the receiving team is prepared and informed.
Escalating Concerns: If a patient’s condition deteriorates, SBAR provides a concise framework for quickly escalating the issue and starting prompt intervention.
Discussing Care Plans: When reviewing or recommending changes to a treatment plan, SBAR keeps conversations clear and focused on clinical priorities.
Communicating Critical Results: Reporting urgent lab or imaging findings to the care team is faster and safer with a standardized SBAR approach.
In short, SBAR is the trusted go-to protocol for any situation requiring clarity and accuracy—helping nurses communicate more confidently and efficiently, no matter the scenario.
22) What challenges can occur when using SBAR templates in practice?
Even with all the benefits of SBAR, effectively using these templates isn’t always a breeze. Nurses may struggle with remembering what details to include for each section, sometimes leading to underreporting essential facts or overloading the report with unnecessary information.
Top challenges include:
Scope confusion: It can be tricky to strike the right balance between being thorough and staying concise. Too much detail can overwhelm the reader, while too little can leave critical gaps.
Consistency: Maintaining a consistent format, especially during busy shifts or high-stress situations, is a common hurdle.
Manual documentation errors: Handwritten notes are prone to mistakes, misinterpretations, and accidental omissions—even seasoned professionals aren’t immune.
Time constraints: Rushed environments often lead to incomplete documentation, missed updates, or difficulty recalling key patient information on the spot.
How to overcome these obstacles? Continuous practice and feedback certainly help, but leveraging digital tools—such as AI medical scribes (for example, S10.AI or Dragon Medical)—can further reduce errors. These solutions help filter the noise, capture only the most relevant data, and transform even the messiest clinical conversations into structured, accurate SBAR reports.
Ultimately, pairing standardized templates with smart documentation technology streamlines the process, minimizes room for error, and helps ensure the handoff is as seamless as possible.
23) How can someone create their own SBAR template?
Crafting your own SBAR template is straightforward and ensures it matches the unique workflow of your practice or team. Start by outlining each of the four SBAR components—Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation—with dedicated sections or prompts.
Consider these steps:
Define the Purpose: Decide whether your template will be used for shift changes, urgent updates, or ongoing care.
Customize Prompts: Tailor questions under each section to address the specifics of your environment. For example, for “Situation,” prompt with “What is the immediate concern?” For “Background,” include space for relevant medical history or recent events.
Integrate with EHRs: Many electronic health record systems (such as Epic, Cerner, Meditech, or Allscripts) allow you to build custom note templates. Leverage your EHR’s template features to embed your SBAR format directly into the charting workflow.
Test and Refine: Use your draft template in real-life scenarios. Gather feedback from your team and iterate to improve clarity and ease of use.
For those seeking a digital edge, modern AI scribes now offer the ability to quickly generate, customize, and update SBAR templates—making them as adaptive as your team needs, regardless of specialty or setting.
The SBAR template is a cornerstone of structured communication in healthcare, reducing errors, boosting efficiency, and combating physician burnout. When paired with best AI solutions like S10.AI’s AI medical scribe, SBAR becomes even more powerful, saving time and improving patient outcomes across all specialties. By adopting SBAR documentation templates and integrating them with EHRs like Epic, Cerner, or Allscripts, providers can justify investment with clear data: reduced errors, lower costs, and happier clinicians.
Ready to streamline your documentation and enhance patient safety? Download our free SBAR template or request a demo of S10.AI’s AI medical scribe to see how artificial intelligence in healthcare can transform your practice.
How does poor communication impact healthcare costs and what can be done to improve it?
Poor communication in healthcare can lead to costly errors, inefficiencies, and increased patient dissatisfaction, contributing to an estimated $12 billion in annual losses. To address this, healthcare professionals can adopt the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication template. This structured method enhances clarity and ensures critical information is conveyed effectively, reducing misunderstandings and improving patient outcomes. By mastering SBAR, clinicians can boost efficiency and reduce burnout, ultimately leading to better care and cost savings.
What is the SBAR communication tool and how can it help reduce burnout in healthcare professionals?
The SBAR communication tool is a standardized framework used to facilitate clear and concise communication among healthcare providers. It stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. By using SBAR, clinicians can streamline communication, minimize errors, and ensure that important information is not overlooked. This efficiency not only improves patient safety but also reduces the cognitive load on healthcare professionals, helping to alleviate stress and burnout. Implementing SBAR in daily practice can lead to a more organized workflow and a healthier work environment.
Why is effective communication crucial in healthcare settings and how can SBAR improve patient safety?
Effective communication is vital in healthcare settings to ensure accurate information exchange, prevent errors, and enhance patient safety. Miscommunication can lead to incorrect treatments, delayed care, and adverse patient outcomes. The SBAR template provides a clear and concise method for healthcare professionals to communicate critical information. By structuring conversations with SBAR, clinicians can ensure that all necessary details are covered, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and improving overall patient safety. Adopting SBAR can be a key step in fostering a culture of safety and reliability in healthcare.