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SBAR handoff template

SBAR handoff template

The SBAR handoff template is a vital tool for ensuring smooth transitions of care. It helps healthcare providers communicate key patient information during handoffs using the SBAR method. Use this template to reduce miscommunication and ensure continuity of care. Ideal for hospitals and care teams.

Use this template
or download pdf
SBAR handoff template

The SBAR handoff template is a vital tool for ensuring smooth transitions of care. It helps healthcare providers communicate key patient information during handoffs using the SBAR method. Use this template to reduce miscommunication and ensure continuity of care. Ideal for hospitals and care teams.

Use this template
or download pdf

About the SBAR handoff template

The SBAR handoff template organizes information into four sections: situation, background, assessment, and recommendation. This structure ensures you provide key details in a clear and logical order, helping your team understand the patient’s condition quickly and accurately. It eliminates guesswork, making handoffs smoother and more efficient.

You begin with the situation, highlighting the immediate concern, followed by the background, which gives context like medical history or recent treatments. The assessment allows you to share your evaluation of the patient’s condition, while the recommendation outlines actionable next steps. 

Using this template, you can standardize communication during shift changes, ensuring no critical information is missed. It reduces errors, improves collaboration, and helps your team make faster, more informed decisions. Whether in routine handoffs or emergencies, this structured approach ensures continuity of care and enhances patient safety. 

How to use an SBAR handoff template

Using an SBAR handoff template ensures your team communicates clearly and effectively during shift changes or patient updates. Follow these steps to implement it seamlessly into your workflow: 

  1. Start with the situation: Begin by outlining the immediate concern or issue. Be concise but specific. For example, “The patient is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath.” This ensures the team knows what needs urgent attention. 
  2. Provide relevant background: Share essential context, such as medical history, recent treatments, or allergies. Avoid unnecessary details—focus only on information that impacts the current situation. This section ensures everyone understands the bigger picture.
  3. Share your assessment: Include your observations, such as changes in vital signs or symptoms. Highlight any risks or complications that need monitoring. A clear assessment helps the team act confidently and make informed decisions. 
  4. Make actionable recommendations: End with specific next steps, like requesting additional tests, administering medication, or escalating to a physician. Clear recommendations reduce delays and ensure accountability.
  5. Customize and assign tasks: If using the template digitally, customize fields to fit your team’s workflow and assign roles for follow-up actions. This keeps everyone aligned and ensures no task is overlooked. 

By following these steps, you can standardize communication and improve patient safety, ensuring smoother handoffs and better collaboration among your team. 

Customizing an SBAR handoff template

You can easily customize an SBAR handoff template to fit your team’s specific needs and workflows. Start by adding fields for patient-specific details, such as allergies, medication lists, or recent lab results. This ensures the template captures all relevant information for seamless handoffs. 

Adapt the template to your organizational structure by including dropdown menus or pre-filled options for common recommendations or conditions. This saves time and reduces errors during high-pressure situations. 

If you’re using the template digitally, assign roles to team members for follow-up actions or updates. This keeps everyone accountable, even if you’re in a small clinic or a large hospital, scaling the template to include department-specific needs ensures it works effectively for your team.

Customizing your SBAR handoff template makes it a powerful tool for improving communication and patient care. 

Related categories

  • Health and safety management templates
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Preview of the template
entity_item!!!
Page 1
Situation
Patient Name
Room Number
Admission Date
Chief Complaint
Background
Relevant History
Current Condition
Current Medications
Assessment
Key Lab/Diagnostic Results
Current Vital Signs
Overall Status
Recommendation
Pending Tasks
Immediate Concerns
Next Steps

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Related resources

Access a complete set of resources aimed at maximizing safety, quality, and operational excellence, including detailed guides, related templates, and real-world use cases.

Topic guides

Read in-depth guides covering key topics related to this article.

SBAR: A comprehensive guide to structured communicationCare Quality Commission standards (CQC): A practical guide for healthcare providersA beginner’s guide HIPAA polices and proceduresHospital management: All you need to know about patient care
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Template collections

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Use cases

Check out how the Lumiform software can be utilized for related use cases.

SBAR appHealthcare risk management softwareHIPAA softwareOccupational health and safety software
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10 reasons why workplace safety is importantHow to implement operational excellenceHow to measure operational excellence5 ways workflow automation streamlines healthcare administration

Frequently asked questions

Why is structured communication important during patient handoffs?

Structured communication ensures that all critical information is shared clearly and consistently during patient handoffs. Without a framework like an SBAR handoff template, important details can be missed, leading to delays, errors, or compromised patient safety. A structured approach keeps everyone on the same page.

How do I ensure my SBAR handoff template stays relevant?

Regularly review and update your SBAR handoff template to reflect changes in your workflows or patient care priorities. For example, you can add fields for new protocols or remove outdated sections. Keeping the template relevant ensures it continues to meet your team’s needs effectively.

What common mistakes should I avoid when using an SBAR handoff template?

Avoid including irrelevant or excessive details in the template, as this can overwhelm the receiving team. Focus on concise and actionable information. Additionally, ensure recommendations are clear and specific to prevent delays in decision-making or care delivery.

How can I train my team to use an SBAR handoff template effectively?

Provide hands-on training and examples to show how the template should be completed. Encourage team members to practice concise communication and highlight the importance of each section. Regular feedback sessions can help refine their use


This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.
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