Name two interprofessional communication techniques used to reduce errors in high-stakes care.

• A. SBAR and CHECK-BACK (or closed-loop communication)
• B. Briefing and Debriefing
• C. CUS and Handoff
• D. Verbal orders only

Answer: (A)

Clear, structured communication reduces errors when lives are on the line. The best answer combines a concise, standardized way to convey information with a reliable method to verify understanding and ensure action.

SBAR gives a consistent frame for talking about a patient: Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. This keeps conversations focused, makes sure essential details aren’t omitted, and helps all team members share a common picture of what’s happening and what needs to be done, no matter their discipline.

CHECK-BACK, or closed-loop communication, adds a verification step. After the sender communicates, the receiver repeats back what was said or paraphrases it, and the sender confirms that the message was understood correctly and that the correct action will be taken. This back-and-forth catches miscommunications, misinterpretations, and slipped steps before they cause harm.

Using SBAR to structure the message and CHECK-BACK to verify its accuracy provides both clarity and accountability, which is crucial in high-stakes care where teamwork across disciplines is essential.

Other options touch on teamwork or safety processes, but they don’t pair these two specific communication techniques—the combination of a standardized message format with a validation loop—that directly targets reducing miscommunication-driven errors in critical situations. Verbal orders only, in particular, lack structure and verification and are unsafe in high-stakes care.