Question

mental health sbar

sbar scenarios in mental health

Answer 1

Ans. Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) is a structured method for communicating critical information that requires immediate attention and action

The main purpose of SBAR technique is to improve the effectiveness of communication through standardization of communication process. Evidence shows that SBAR provides effective and efficient communication, thereby promoting better patient outcomes.

S = Situation (a concise statement of the problem)

B = Background (pertinent and brief information related to the situation)

A = Assessment (analysis and considerations of options  what you found/think)

R = Recommendation (action requested/recommended - what you want)

SBAR is an easy-to-remember, concrete mechanism useful for framing any conversation, especially critical ones, requiring a clinician’s immediate attention and action. It allows for an easy and focused way to set expectations for what will be communicated and how between members of the team, which is essential for developing teamwork and fostering a culture of patient safety.

Example:-

S = Situation: My name is xy and I am the doctor looking after you. I’d like to discuss some possible treatment options with you following on from your recent blood tests and the examination I did earlier today.

B = Background: - When I examined you I noticed that you are more breathless today than yesterday, your heart rate is quite fast, and you have been having some palpitations and mild chest pain. I know that you suffer with angina and had a heart attack 3 years ago.Your blood results came back and show that your blood count is lower than it should be. I would normally expect it to be above 90, but it is only 78 now.

A = Assessment: - I believe that your breathlessness, palpitations and chest pain are due to your low blood count and your underlying heart condition. Your heart has to work harder than usual because of your low blood count. In other words you are anaemic and your blood cannot carry the oxygen around your body as well as it should. There is a risk that this will get worse if it is left untreated.

R = Recommendation:- There are different options for treatment that I can suggest. You could have treatment with iron that is given through a drip into your arm, or with iron tablets.In your case though, I would recommend a blood transfusion of one unit today and then I can see how you are tomorrow. If you have stopped having palpitations and your breathlessness improves I can then prescribe some iron to bring your blood count back up, or I can give you another bag of blood.