Interprofessional SBAR Communication Simulation

Description:
This simulation-based interprofessional learning activity is designed to develop effective, structured communication between Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and undergraduate nursing students using the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) framework. Learners practice communicating clinical concerns, coordinating care, and relaying critical information to a referring provider through an interprofessional workflow.

Students are provided with a shared patient case that includes key medical history, current symptoms, therapy-relevant findings, and emerging clinical concerns. The DPT student initiates the encounter by contacting the nursing student at the referring provider’s office to report concerns requiring provider input. Using SBAR format, the DPT student summarizes the patient’s presentation, reviews relevant background details, communicates their assessment, and makes a recommendation for next steps.

The nursing student then contacts the referring provider, played by a standardized patient, and relays the DPT student’s concerns in SBAR format. The provider offers further guidance, clarification, or updated orders, which the nursing student must accurately interpret and document.

Finally, the nursing student calls the DPT student to relay the provider’s recommendations. This final communication step reinforces the importance of closed-loop communication, message accuracy, and role clarity within the care team.