Situation: Clearly describe the current situation, observations, and concerns.“The patient is complaining of shortness of breath with worsening upon exertion. Her oxygen saturation was 88% on room air. She was placed on supplemental oxygen 2 L via nasal cannula and her oxygen saturation is now 92%. Her respirations are 26, pulse is 108, BP is 95/64, and temperature is 101.2° F. She has a cough with mucus production that's green and tinged with blood. She reports chest pain when coughing as a 7 out of 10 on the pain scale and feelings of fatigue and anxiety.” * Background: Provide a clear and brief patient background/history.“Mrs. Jane is a 65-year-old female who was admitted with the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation 4 days ago. Her initial clinical presentation on admission included persistent dyspnea and chest tightness. She also had a cough that was producing clear sputum and chest tightness. She was noted for use of accessory respiratory muscles. She received orders for a bronchodilator every 4 hours, oral corticosteroid, oximetry monitoring, and supplemental oxygen for an oxygen saturation of less than 92%. She has been on enoxaparin for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis.” * Assessment: What's your assessment?“I think Mrs. Jane is exhibiting symptoms that may be associated with pneumonia.” * Recommendation: Give your recommendations and state any requests.“Dr. Smith, will you be coming to see the patient? Would you like me to contact radiology for a stat chest X-ray? Should I initiate an I.V. for antibiotic infusion?”The ISBAR technique is an important practice that needs to be adopted within the healthcare industry, as well as introduced in nursing schools, to prevent communication gaps, promote complete communication through patient handoffs and transitions of care, and maintain successfully sustained communication throughout the care continuum.
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Conversation that's standardized and structured can improve communication, build collaboration and collegiality, improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, facilitate the continuity of care, and promote patient safety. Consider incorporating ISBAR into your practice today.