Which statement about SBAR is true?

• A. It is used only in nursing
• B. It focuses on financial data
• C. It is a four-part framework: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
• D. It ignores the patient's current status

Answer: (C)

SBAR is a concise, structured way to communicate critical information in healthcare, especially during handoffs or urgent situations. It has four parts: Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. The Situation states what’s happening now and why you’re contacting the other clinician. Background gives relevant context that helps interpret the current issue. Assessment conveys your professional view of the patient’s status and urgency. Recommendation specifies the next actions needed, such as orders or a plan for follow-up. This format ensures essential details are shared clearly and quickly, reducing miscommunication and supporting safer patient care. It’s used across healthcare disciplines, not just in nursing, and it centers on the patient’s current condition and needs, not financial data.