In interprofessional practice, which communication framework is commonly used to structure effective handoffs?

• A. Handoff protocol
• B. SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)
• C. CUS (Concern, Uncertainty, Safety)
• D. Call-Out and Check-Back

Answer: (B)

The main thing being tested is using a standardized way to transfer patient information so the next caregiver has what they need to continue safe care. SBAR gives you a simple, repeatable order: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. This structure makes it fast to convey the essential details and keeps everyone on the same page. You start by stating what is happening now (Situation), then share the relevant history and context (Background), followed by your professional interpretation of what’s going on (Assessment), and finally what you think should happen next (Recommendation). Because the content and order are the same every time, it’s easier for different professionals—nurses, physicians, pharmacists—to understand exact needs, actions, and priorities during handoffs, which reduces misunderstandings and potential errors.

That’s why this option is the best fit. A generic handoff protocol can describe steps but may not specify the exact content to cover, so important details can be missed. The CUS approach focuses on voicing concerns and the level of certainty or safety emphasis, which is valuable but doesn’t provide the full handoff template. Call-Out and Check-Back are useful team communication techniques to share and verify critical information, but they don’t replace a complete, standardized handoff framework like SBAR.