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SBAR template

SBAR template

An SBAR template provides a structured method for effective communication in critical situations. It helps organize information into four key sections: situation, background, assessment, and recommendation. Use this template to improve clarity and reduce errors during communication. Perfect for healthcare professionals and other high-stakes environments.

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SBAR template

An SBAR template provides a structured method for effective communication in critical situations. It helps organize information into four key sections: situation, background, assessment, and recommendation. Use this template to improve clarity and reduce errors during communication. Perfect for healthcare professionals and other high-stakes environments.

Use this template
or download pdf

About the SBAR template

You need clear communication in high-pressure settings where every detail counts. An SBAR template (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) organizes critical information into a structured format, helping you deliver updates quickly and effectively. 

Whether you hand off patient care as a nurse, escalate concerns as a doctor, or manage team coordination, this template keeps communication consistent and eliminates confusion. 

You use an SBAR template to standardize communication, avoid errors, and make faster, more informed decisions. It helps your team focus on what matters most, ensuring no detail gets missed during handoffs or urgent updates. 

Key elements of an SBAR template

  • Situation: Start with a concise summary of the current issue or concern. This section ensures you communicate the most urgent information first, helping your team focus on what needs immediate attention. Clear and direct descriptions here save time and prevent miscommunication.
  • Background: Provide the relevant context, such as patient history, project details, or previous actions taken. This section helps others understand the bigger picture and why the situation requires attention. Including only essential details keeps this section focused and actionable. 
  • Assessment: Share your evaluation of the issue, including any observations, risks, or potential impacts. A well-structured assessment helps your team identify the root cause of the problem and prepare for the next steps. 
  • Recommendation: End with a clear suggestion or request for action. Whether it’s proposing a solution, requesting a decision, or escalating the issue, this section drives action and ensures accountability.

By organizing information into these four elements, you make communication more efficient and improve decision-making during critical moments. 

When to use an SBAR template

You should use an SBAR template in situations where clear, concise communication is critical. It’s especially effective during patient handovers in healthcare, team updates in high-pressure environments, or when escalating issues to decision-makers. 

This template works best when time is limited, and you need to convey essential details quickly and accurately. For example, use it during shift changes to ensure seamless transitions, or in emergency scenarios where fast, informed decisions are vital. You can also apply it to improve communication between departments or teams, reducing the risk of miscommunication. 

An SBAR template helps you streamline your workflow, improve collaboration, and ensure consistent, actionable communication across your organization. It’s a practical tool for any context requiring precision and clarity. 

Related categories

  • Health and safety management templates
  • Operational excellence templates
  • Health care templates
  • Templates for business processes
  • Workforce management and HR templates
Preview of the template
entity_item!!!
Situation
What is the situation?
Background
What is the background information?
Assessment
What is your assessment of the situation?
Recommendation
What is your recommendation?

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Related resources

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Topic guides

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

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of an SBAR template?

An SBAR template helps structure communication by breaking it into four clear sections: situation, background, assessment, and recommendation. This ensures that critical information is shared quickly and accurately, reducing misunderstandings and improving decision-making in high-pressure scenarios like healthcare handovers or team updates.

How does an SBAR template improve teamwork?

An SBAR template standardizes how information is shared, ensuring everyone on the team receives the same critical details. This consistency reduces errors, improves collaboration, and helps teams act faster and more confidently, especially in fast-paced environments where clarity is essential.

Can an SBAR template be used outside of healthcare?

Yes, while commonly used in healthcare, an SBAR template is effective in any industry requiring clear communication. It’s great for managing team handoffs, escalating issues in operations, or coordinating between departments to ensure nothing gets missed.

What common problems does an SBAR template solve?

An SBAR template addresses issues like miscommunication, missed details, and inefficiencies during handoffs or updates. By providing a clear framework, it helps you share essential information without confusion, saving time and improving outcomes in critical situations.


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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