Table 1 Summary of the ISBAR protocol for nurses (adapted from Eggins et al. [8])

I

Identification

Introduce yourself by stating the role you have played in this patient’s care

Past

Clearly and accurately identify and locate the patient

Identify the doctors responsible for the patient’s care

S

Situation

Explain the patient’s presenting condition

B

Background

Hand over the patient’s medical and social background relevant to this admission

A

Assessment

Succinctly describe the patient’s general condition, clinically and behaviourally, during your shift

Present

(your shift, outgoing nurse)

Provide key clinical observations/data

Actions

State what you have done for the patient on your shift

R

Recommendations

Explain the treatment plan for this patient

Future

(your colleagues, incoming nurse)

Explain the care plan and actions required of nursing staff

Readback

Clearly hand over accountability and responsibility for ongoing care tasks