Clinical Governance – Pursuing Quality, Safety and Excellence

ISBAR In Our Communication• Introduction

– Who, what and where you are and why are you calling also is this a good time to talk?

• Situation – What is happening now. “The situation is….”

• Background– What led to the situation. “By way of

background…”• Assessment

– What you consider the problem is. “My assessment is” or “I assess….”

• Recommendation – What should we do to correct the problem. “I

recommend…..”

Clinical Governance – Pursuing Quality, Safety and Excellence

ISBAR In Our Communication

Introduction Who, what and where you are and why are you calling Establish you are talking to the right person and that it is

convenient to have the conversation at that time

• “Hello I am Kim Lake, an RN on the mental health ward at Maitland Hospital. Is this Dr Zed?

• “I am calling because I am concerned about a patient bought in today in an agitated state, do you have a moment to talk?”

Clinical Governance – Pursuing Quality, Safety and Excellence

ISBAR In Our CommunicationSituation Give the situation as of now, including key information

such as patient’s age and gender, and current status

• “The situation is that Mr Bee is a 24 year old man, has become increasingly agitated tonight and I think he would benefit from a medical review”

Clinical Governance – Pursuing Quality, Safety and Excellence

ISBAR In Our Communication

Background Give the relevant background details such as

presenting factors and complications

• “By way of background, Mr Bee has a history of alcohol and drug abuse and has been seen by the community mental health team previously for his psychosis. Mr Bee was bought in last night psychotic and was sedated for agitation”

Clinical Governance – Pursuing Quality, Safety and Excellence

ISBAR In Our CommunicationAssessment

What do you consider is going on

• “Mr Bee is now mumbling incoherently and becoming more and more agitated to the point where he may cause harm to himself or others”

Clinical Governance – Pursuing Quality, Safety and Excellence

ISBAR In Our Communication

RecommendationBe clear about your recommendation

• “I would like you to come and review Mr Bee as soon as you can please as his condition is unstable and he would benefit from a medication review to assist with diagnosis and a treatment and care plan”