The ISBAR communication framework is used to create a structured and standardised communication format between health care workers. It is particularly useful for reporting changes in a patient's status and / or deterioration between health care services or shifts
The following is a breakdown for each ISBAR element:
Identification
Identify the person to whom you are speaking
Identify yourself, occupation and where you are calling from
Situation
Identify the patient by name, date of birth, age, sex, reason for admission
Identify what is going on with the patient (Chest pain, nausea, etc...)
Background
Give the patient's presenting complaint
Give the patient's relevant past medical history
Brief summary of background
Assessment
Vital signs: heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation, pain scale, level of consciousness
List if any vital signs that are outside of parameters; what is your clinical impression
Severity of patient, additional concern
Recommendation
Explanation of what you require, how urgent and when action needs to be taken
Make suggestions of what action is to be taken
Clarify what action you expect to be taken
Click the link below to go to the ISBAR course on the healthLearn Learner Management System (you will need to log in to healthLearn)
ISBAR Communication Framework