Short answer: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. It is a structured way to hand off a patient or call a provider so that the most important information comes first and nothing is skipped. A one-page SBAR handoff sheet gives each of the four parts its own box, so you can fill it during the shift and read it top to bottom at report.
The four parts of SBAR
| Letter | Question it answers | What usually goes here |
|---|---|---|
| S Situation | What is going on right now? | Patient identifiers, reason for admission, code status, allergies, the current concern |
| B Background | What led up to this? | Relevant history, events this shift, recent vitals, lines, diet and activity |
| A Assessment | What do I see? | Your head-to-toe or system-by-system findings and pertinent results |
| R Recommendation | What needs to happen next? | Pending results, meds due, things to watch, the plan, questions |
How to give an SBAR handoff in 5 steps
- Prepare before you speak. Fill the sheet as the shift goes rather than from memory at 18:45.
- Lead with the Situation in one or two sentences. The receiving nurse should know why this patient is here and what matters most before you say anything else.
- Keep Background relevant. Share the history that changes how the next shift cares for the patient. Skip the rest.
- State your Assessment clearly. Facts first, then your interpretation.
- Finish with a clear Recommendation and a read-back. What is pending, what is due, what to watch. Ask "what questions do you have?"
A fictional example (communication structure only)
This made-up example shows the shape of an SBAR report. It is not clinical advice.
S: "Room 12, Mr. A, 68, full code, allergic to penicillin. Admitted yesterday after a planned knee replacement. Main concern tonight is pain control."
B: "History of type 2 diabetes. Up to the chair twice today with physical therapy. IV in the left forearm, saline lock."
A: "Alert and oriented. Dressing clean and dry. Vitals stable through the shift; pain was 6 out of 10 at 17:00."
R: "Evening labs pending. Next scheduled meds at 21:00. Please reassess pain after the next dose and follow up on PT for the morning. Any questions?"
Common SBAR mistakes
- Starting with the full history. Background belongs second. Lead with the current situation.
- No clear ask. A handoff without a Recommendation leaves the next nurse guessing.
- Relying on memory. Write as you go; a one-page sheet keeps the order consistent every time.
- Not inviting questions. Closed-loop communication catches errors.
Get a printable SBAR handoff sheet
Our SBAR handoff sheet is part of the Nurse Report Sheet Bundle (6 printable layouts, US Letter PDF). It has an S-B-A-R column down the side, a vitals grid, a 9-box assessment area and pending/follow-up boxes. Want to try the style first? Download the free Med-Surg report sheet.
Nursing students: the Clinical Rotation Organizer pairs well with SBAR practice.
FAQ
Who created SBAR?
SBAR came from military and aviation communication and was adapted for healthcare in the early 2000s. It is now widely used in hospitals for handoffs and provider calls.
Is SBAR only for nurses?
No. Physicians, therapists, students and other team members use it too. It works anywhere a clear, structured handoff matters.
What is the difference between SBAR and I-PASS?
Both are structured handoff tools. I-PASS (Illness severity, Patient summary, Action list, Situation awareness, Synthesis by receiver) is common in physician handoffs. SBAR is shorter and often used in nursing and for urgent calls. Use whichever your facility requires.
Can I use an SBAR sheet as a student?
Yes, if your program and clinical site allow it. It is one of the best ways to practise giving report.
This article explains a communication format. It is not clinical guidance. Follow your facility's handoff policy.