Patient Handoff SBAR Communication Checklist
Use standardized SBAR format for patient handoff communication during transitions of care to ensure critical information is communicated.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Every patient handoff
- Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes
- Role: Clinical Staff
- Total Items: 31
- Compliance: Joint Commission NPSG.02.05.01, AHRQ TeamSTEPPS, I-PASS Study
Situation
Current patient situation
- Patient name and identifiers stated?
- Current diagnosis/reason for admission stated?
- Code status communicated?
- Current clinical condition described?
Background
Relevant patient history
- Pertinent medical history shared?
- Allergies communicated?
- Current medications reviewed?
- Recent procedures/surgeries discussed?
- Relevant lab/test results shared?
Assessment
Clinical assessment
- Current assessment of patient status?
- Trends in condition identified?
- Concerns or potential problems stated?
- Pain status and management discussed?
Recommendation
Recommended actions
- Pending tasks communicated?
- Upcoming procedures/tests discussed?
- Monitoring needs specified?
- Contingency plans if condition changes?
- Family concerns or needs addressed?
Verification
Confirm understanding
- Read-back performed by receiver?
- Questions answered?
- Contact information exchanged?
Pre-Assessment Information
Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification
- Assessor Name / Credentials
- Assessment Date
- Department / Unit
- Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
- Previous assessment findings reviewed?
Infection Prevention & Control
Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards
- Hand hygiene compliance observed?
- Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
- Isolation precautions properly implemented?
- Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
- High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?
Related Healthcare Checklists
- Patient Restraint Assessment & Monitoring Checklist
- Pressure Ulcer/Injury Prevention Checklist
- Patient Fall Risk Hourly Rounding Checklist
- Suicide Precautions Monitoring Checklist
- Medication Administration Safety Checklist
- Blood Product Transfusion Safety Checklist
- Discharge Planning & Readiness Checklist
- Nursing Shift Assessment Checklist
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Why Use This Patient Handoff SBAR Communication Checklist?
This patient handoff sbar communication checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for clinical staff professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: every patient handoff.
Ensures compliance with Joint Commission NPSG.02.05.01, AHRQ TeamSTEPPS, I-PASS Study. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Patient Handoff SBAR Communication Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 7 sections: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation, Verification, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed every patient handoff. Each completion takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
Who should use this Patient Handoff SBAR Communication Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Clinical Staff 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.