ISBAR Communication Tool
The ISBAR communication tool can help to facilitate effective communication between you and other members of the interprofessional healthcare team when communicating information about a client or during handover. It provides a framework so that communication is focused, concise, and complete.
ISBAR | Components | Example |
Introduction |
Identify yourself with your first and last name, role, and location.Identify the client’s details: name, age, and room number. |
Hello, I am calling about Nina Monture, a 17-year-old female client on 3A. I am Gita Cavell, a registered nurse on the unit. |
Situation |
Briefly describe the concern.State if the situation is urgent.Identify current symptoms and clinical needs. |
The client was coughing and vomited during her rehab session. |
Background |
Provide a brief summary of the concern.State diagnosis, comorbidities, and other health issues.State lab values, medications, and allergies. |
The client was tested for influenza and is on droplet contact precautions. Another client was in the rehabilitation room with the suspected infected client and the client was not wearing the required PPE. |
Assessment |
Provide an interpretation of summary of what you think is going on. |
Based on my assessment and the client’s symptoms, it’s probable that the client will test positive for influenza. |
Request/Recommendation |
State a clear request / recommendation with a time frame. |
Follow up with the unit manager about the miscommunication regarding this client situation is required. The unit manager for the other client needs to be informed of the possible exposure to influenza. |
For more information on the ISBAR Communication Tool, please review the chapter on Interprofessional Communication in Nursing, in the Introduction to Communication in Nursing OER at https://pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca/communicationnursing/chapter/resources-to-facilitate-interprofessional-communication/
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Attribution
Content from this page was remixed with our own original content, and adapted from:
Introduction to Communication in Nursing by Jennifer Lapum, Oona St-Amant, Michelle Hughes, and Joy Garmaise-Yee is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.