Communication Techniques
Structured communication techniques borrowed from other high-risk industries, such as aviation and nuclear power can enable multiprofessional clinical teams to stream-line communication, so that messages can be conveyed consistently and thoroughly.
Structured communication is particularly useful in high-stress situations where immediate attention and response are needed, although it can be used to shape information at any stage.
Closed loop communication
Refers to the practice of repeating back information to confirm that the team member is doing what was asked of them.
A typical exchange would be as follows:
Team member A makes a request, using the name of another team member (Team member B). Team member B responds verbally to confirm or verify the information.
SBAR (SBARD in some organisations, D = Development), is a framework that allows a team member to quickly describe a situation and make a reccomendation about future action. It is commonly used in handover situations.
Recommendation (advice about what to do next)
The NHS – Institute for Innovation and Improvement provides some useful guidance on using SBAR.
This RCEMLearning blog offers more advice on referrals