Hand Off Report

Critical Elements

• Gather SBAR data prior to communication.
• Communicate clearly and concisely using SBAR format.
• Make appropriate recommendations given patient situation.

Procedure

Situation

• Patient Name:
• Room:
• Patient Age: 
• Admit date:
• Code Status:
• Doctor:  (include consultants)
• Diagnosis:
• Allergies:
• Precautions:

Background

• PMH:
• Events leading to this hospitalization:
• Course since hospitalization:

Assessment

• Neurologic                                   
• Skin/Wound
• Cardiac (include VS)        
• Diet
• Respiratory           
• I/O
• GI  
• IV lines and solutions running
• GU-Renal  
• LAB/Diagnostic abnormal findings
• Endocrine (accu-checks) 

Recommendations

• What assessment findings need to be followed up with?
• What labs/diagnostic tests and/or procedures are scheduled for next shift?
• Any new orders for next shift or follow ups?
• Psycho/social/educational/discharge needs?
• Safety issues?

Resources

• DeMeester, K., Verspuy, M., et al. (2013) SBAR improves nurse-physician communication and reduces unexpected death: a pre and post intervention study. Resuscitation 84(9):1192-6.
• Joffe, E., Turley, J., Hwang, K. et al. (2013).  Evaluation of a problem-specific SBAR tool to improve after-hours nurse-physician phone communication: a randomized trial. Joint Commission Journal for Quality Patient Safety 39(11):495-501.

Institute for Healthcare Improvement

• SBAR Technique for Communication: A Situational Briefing Model
• SBAR: Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation

Safer Healthcare

• What is SBAR?