Escalating a deteriorating patient (SBAR) station

Colleague-communication stations, including telephone escalation, test whether you can communicate concisely and assertively under pressure. A structured tool such as SBAR keeps you focused.

How to structure it (SBAR)

• Situation: identify yourself, the patient and the immediate problem.
• Background: give the relevant clinical context briefly.
• Assessment: state the observations and your level of concern.
• Recommendation: make a clear, specific request and a timeframe.
• Confirm the plan and state any interim actions you are taking.

Common pitfalls

• Burying the key concern in detail.
• Failing to make an explicit request.
• Backing down when a busy senior pushes back.

Examiners reward concise SBAR structure, an explicit clinical concern and request, and professional persistence about urgency.