sim + sbar

Question 1

sbar stands for

Answer 1

Situation

Background

Assessment

Recommendation

Question 2

situ

Answer 2

Identify yourself and where you are calling from

x Identify the patient by name and place, ward/context

x Describe your concern

Question 3

background

Answer 3

reason for the communication

x Explain the significant medical history

Question 4

assessment

Answer 4

Communicate the vital signs

x Summarise your clinical impression and concerns

Question 5

recommend

Answer 5

Explain what you need - be specific

Clarify – ask the Junior doctor to clarify the
message.

Question 6

eg s

Answer 6

I am (name), (X) nurse on ward (X)
I am calling about (patient X)
I am calling because I am concerned that…
(e.g. BP is low/high, pulse is XX, temperature is XX, Early
Warning Score is XX

Question 7

eg b

Answer 7

Patient (X) was admitted on (XX date) with…
(e.g. MI/chest infection)
They have had (X operation/procedure/investigation)
Patient (X)’s condition has changed in the last (XX mins)
Their last set of obs were (XX)
Patient (X)’s normal condition is…
(e.g. alert/drowsy/confused, pain free

Question 8

eg a

Answer 8

I think the problem is (XXX)
And I have...
(e.g. given O2
/analgesia, stopped the infusion)
OR
I am not sure what the problem is but patient (X) is 
deteriorating
OR
I don’t know what’s wrong but I am really worried

Question 9

eg r

Answer 9

I need you to…
Come to see the patient in the next (XX mins)
AND
Is there anything I need to do in the mean time?
(e.g. stop the fluid/repeat the obs

Question 10

after sbar

Answer 10

Ask receiver to repeat key information to ensure understanding

Question 11

a tip

Answer 11

work way down

neuro
lungs 
cardiac
pulses 
catheter

Question 12

r tip

Answer 12

pt…would u likr to …eg give fluids