Raise the Bar on Communication With “SBAR”

Using the “SBAR” tool for communication will enhance your interactions with colleagues...and improve patient care.

Think of SBAR as a framework to organize verbal or written info...into a Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation.

Follow the SBAR approach to communicate accurate and clear details about a patient or problem efficiently...and reduce the risk of errors or confusion.

Consider this example of how you can use SBAR when calling a prescriber’s office about a refill request for a patient leaving town.

SBAR Table

To be efficient and complete, do your homework before using SBAR...such as checking notes, faxes, or voicemails before contacting the prescriber.

Be ready to answer questions or share more info if needed.

Get our Soft Skills for Pharmacy Technicians toolbox and our CE, Communicating With the Healthcare Team, for more ways to hone your communication skills and avoid crossed wires.

Key References

  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Tool: SBAR. November 2019. https://www.ahrq.gov/teamstepps-program/curriculum/communication/tools/sbar.html (Accessed February 26, 2024).
  • Institute for Healthcare Improvement. SBAR Technique for Communication. https://www.ihi.org/resources/tools/sbar-tool-situation-background-assessment-recommendation (Accessed February 26, 2024).
  • The Joint Commission. Inadequate hand-off communication. Sentinel Event Alert. 2017 September 12;58. https://www.jointcommission.org/-/media/tjc/newsletters/sea-58-hand-off-comm-9-6-17-final2.pdf (Accessed February 26, 2024).
Pharmacy Technician's Letter. March 2024. No. 400311



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