SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)
Statement: Please note that SBARs published before December 2023 make reference to alcohol based hand rub (ABHR). As of 11 January 2024 this is now referred to as hand rub in the NIPCM based on the updated recommendations in the hand products literature review (with the exception of surgical hand antisepsis which has its own body of research).
An SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is a communication tool presented in 4 standardised sections that allow organisations to present key information and communicate it in a clear and concise way. SBARs are often used in healthcare settings to:
- facilitate communication about patient care between healthcare workers; and/or
- present the results of an evidence review to inform evidence-based practice in healthcare settings.
The 4 standard sections are:
- Situation
Outline the reasons for undertaking the evidence review (e.g in response to an identified problem/issue) and the questions that the review needs to address. - Background
Key information that puts the situation in context or provides necessary background knowledge to inform the evidence assessment. - Assessment
An assessment of the available evidence to address the review question(s). - Recommendation
Recommendations (for example, for practice, for further research) drawn from the evidence assessment.
Cardiac Heater Cooler Units (HCUs) Air Sampling in the Management of HCUs
This SBAR was produced following ARHAI Scotland commissioning a rapid review of the literature to assess the current evidence base and non-UK guidance relating to the role of environmental sampling (including air sampling) in HCU management. The rapid review was commissioned following stakeholder feedback regarding the practical application of routine air sampling and challenges in interpreting results. ARHAI Scotland will use these findings to inform interim advice for NHS boards and support future review and updating of national HCU guidance.
Portable cooling fans (bladed and bladeless) for use in clinical areas
This SBAR is a position statement from HPS in regards to the use of bladeless fans and similar products by NHSScotland.
Decontamination of blood gas analysers
Blood gas analysers have been implicated in the transmission of nosocomial infection in several outbreak reports. There is currently no national guidance on decontamination of blood gas analysers. This SBAR provides recommendations for clinical practice for NHSScotland.