Patient Hand-Off Communication Checklist (SBAR)
This patient hand-off checklist uses the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication framework to ensure safe, effective patient care transitions per Joint Commission NPSG.02.05.01.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: At Each Patient Transfer/Hand-Off
- Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes
- Role: Registered Nurse / Physician / Care Team Member
- Total Items: 31
- Compliance: TJC NPSG.02.05.01, I-PASS Framework, SBAR Communication, CMS CoP
S - Situation
Current status and reason for hand-off
- Current diagnosis/reason for admission
- Reason for hand-off/transfer
- Current patient condition
- Code status
- Isolation status
B - Background
Relevant patient history and context
- Pertinent medical history
- Allergies
- Current medications (including recent changes)
- Recent procedures/treatments
- Significant events this shift
A - Assessment
Current clinical assessment
- Most recent vital signs
- Mental status/level of consciousness
- Pain level and location
- Fall risk status
- Skin integrity concerns
- IV lines, drains, tubes present
- Pending tests/results
R - Recommendation
Plan of care and action items
- Priority interventions needed
- Parameters to monitor/when to notify
- Anticipated changes/needs
- Family/patient concerns to address
- Pending consults/follow-ups
Hand-Off Verification
Confirmation of information transfer
- Opportunity for questions provided
- Critical information read back
- Responsibility for care clearly transferred
- Sending Provider Signature
- Receiving Provider Signature
Infection Prevention & Control
Infection control per CDC/Joint Commission
- Hand hygiene compliance observed?
- Isolation precautions followed correctly?
- Sharps containers not overfilled?
- Appropriate PPE available and used?
Related Healthcare Checklists
- Patient Identification Verification Checklist
- Surgical Time-Out Verification Checklist
- VTE Prophylaxis Assessment Checklist
- Patient Handoff SBAR Communication Checklist
- Medication Reconciliation at Admission Checklist
- HIPAA Privacy Compliance Audit Checklist
- HIPAA Security Rule Audit Checklist
- CMS Emergency Preparedness Compliance Checklist
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Why Use This Patient Hand-Off Communication Checklist (SBAR)?
This patient hand-off communication checklist (sbar) helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for registered nurse / physician / care team member professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: at each patient transfer/hand-off.
Ensures compliance with TJC NPSG.02.05.01, I-PASS Framework, SBAR Communication, CMS CoP. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Patient Hand-Off Communication Checklist (SBAR) cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: S - Situation, B - Background, A - Assessment, R - Recommendation, Hand-Off Verification, Infection Prevention & Control. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed at each patient transfer/hand-off. Each completion takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
Who should use this Patient Hand-Off Communication Checklist (SBAR)?
This checklist is designed for Registered Nurse / Physician / Care Team Member professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.