SBAR Handoff Template: Shift Report & Bedside Transfer
Standardize shift-to-shift nursing handoffs, change of shift reports, and inter-unit patient transfers. Structured communication eliminates omitted clinical cues and protects continuity of care between oncoming and outgoing healthcare teams.
Available SBAR Formats
Choose the format that fits your clinical workflow or educational setting.
Bedside Shift Handoff Example
Copy or print format5-Step Bedside Handoff Safety Protocol
According to The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert on handoff communications, conducting reports directly at the patient's bedside reduces medical errors by enabling joint physical verification:
Verify two unique patient identifiers (Full Name & DOB on the hospital wristband) with both outgoing and oncoming nurses present at bedside.
Physically trace all IV tubing from infusion bags to pump channel rates and directly to the insertion site. Verify line patency and site dates.
Uncover and visually inspect surgical incisions, wounds, and drain outputs (JP bulbs, chest tubes, ostomy appliances) together.
Dual-sign active heparin, insulin, or PCA continuous infusions. Review pending morning blood draws and scheduled STAT diagnostics.
Departmental Transfer & PACU Handoff Guidelines
When transferring patients between departments (e.g. ED to ICU, PACU to Floor, or Med-Surg to Step-Down), the SBAR handoff must emphasize airway stability, anesthesia recovery scores (Aldrete score), fluid balance, and transport monitoring needs.