What does the acronym SBAR stand for in clinical communication?

• A. Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
• B. Summary, Background, Analysis, Resolution
• C. Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation
• D. Source, Basis, Appraisal, Recommendation

Answer: (C)

Using a structured handoff approach helps ensure critical patient information is communicated clearly and efficiently, especially in fast-paced or high-stakes situations.

SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. The Situation describes what is happening now and why you’re calling. The Background provides relevant context about the patient’s history and the events leading up to the current concern. The Assessment is your clinical interpretation of the situation, including the level of urgency or severity. The Recommendation states what you think should happen next, such as specific orders, tests, or a plan to escalate care. This format keeps discussions focused, minimizes missing details, and makes it easier for others to understand and act on the information.

This is the best answer because it matches the standard wording and structure used in clinical communication to promote safety and clarity during handoffs and urgent conversations. The other options replace one or more components with terms that aren’t part of the SBAR framework, so they don’t convey the same established sequence of information. In practice, SBAR is widely used during nurse-physician calls, transfer handoffs, and rapid team communications to ensure everyone is aligned on what is happening and what needs to be done next.