December safety behavior: 'Ask With SBAR'

Anyone who has tried to navigate a rambling conversation, a lengthy email, or a never-ending voicemail knows the frustration of trying to get information quickly and concisely.

The safety behavior for December, “Ask With SBAR,” can help us sort through the facts and reduce frustration. SBAR is an acronym that guides us on how to communicate quickly and effectively:

• Situation: What is the situation, patient or project?
• Background: What is important to communicate, including problems and precautions?
• Assessment: What is my assessment of the situation, problems and precautions?
• Recommendation/Request: What is my recommendation, request or plan?

“The safety and reliability phrase to use is: ‘Let me give you the SBAR,’” said Becky Pomrenke, M.S.N., RN, CNL, CNS, patient safety manager for USA Health. “These four points can help us cut through all of the unnecessary information.”

As an example, consider how to tell the story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” using SBAR.

• Situation: It’s a foggy Christmas Eve, and Santa will not be able to deliver the presents if he cannot figure out a way to navigate the weather.
• Background: Santa’s team has always helped him deliver presents without issue, but this year, the regular team is not going to be able to get the job done because there is no light to lead the way through the fog.
• Assessment: A light will need to be added to guide the sleigh.
• Recommendation: Invite Rudolph to join the team. With his special feature, the new team member can lead Santa’s sleigh through the fog.

The safety behavior of the month, part of USA Health’s Safety Starts With Me initiative, is discussed and practiced at huddles and in departments across the health system.