ISBAR Communication Simulator

About ISBAR

ISBAR is a structured method for clinical communication that improves patient safety by reducing miscommunication. This tool simulates phone calls between junior doctors seeking advice and senior doctors, demonstrating both effective and ineffective ISBAR use.

Identification

Clearly identify yourself, your role, and the patient with identifiers like name and hospital number.

Situation

State the current problem or situation with clear, concise information about why you're calling.

Background

Provide relevant context including admitting diagnosis, pertinent history, and current treatment.

Assessment

Share your evaluation of the situation based on clinical findings and investigations.

Recommendation

Clearly state what action you think should be taken or specifically request advice.

Current Scenario

Patient: Margaret Smith, 68-year-old female (Hospital ID: MRN-458792)

Admitting Diagnosis: Community-acquired pneumonia, COPD exacerbation

Current Issues: Increasing oxygen requirements (now on 10L/min via face mask), tachypneic (RR 32), hypotensive (BP 85/50), new confusion

Recent Events: Admitted 18 hours ago, initial improvement with Ceftriaxone/Azithromycin, but now deteriorating

Calling: Dr. James Wilson (Consultant Physician) Ongoing call

Effective Communication Analysis

This example demonstrates proper ISBAR structure that enables efficient, accurate clinical communication:

Clear identification of caller, patient, and location establishes context immediately
Concise situation statement highlights urgency without unnecessary details
Relevant background focuses on the key clinical history impacting current management
Structured assessment presents findings logically (vitals, exam, investigations)
Specific recommendation request shows clinical reasoning while seeking input

Ineffective Communication Analysis

This example shows common pitfalls that can delay appropriate care and frustrate both parties:

Lacks proper identification - forces senior to ask basic questions wasting time
Vague situation description - doesn't communicate the clinical urgency adequately
Unfocused background - includes irrelevant details while omitting critical information
Disorganized assessment - presents findings haphazardly making synthesis difficult
Weak recommendation - fails to show clinical reasoning or specific request