CPTE / FREE INTRODUCTION
Close the clinical handover loop
Move from a vague concern to a clear request and confirmed ownership.
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01 · A message is not a handover
Imagine a rehabilitation session has stopped after a new symptom. The patient is supported, and you need the responsible clinician to review. Compare two messages. Something changed earlier. Please take a look. Or: a new symptom started during this session; here is what I observed and what I need. The first leaves timing, severity and ownership unclear. The second creates a shared problem to act on. Our focus is communication after the immediate safety response, not diagnosing the symptom from a short story.
02 · Sort the information
Use S B A R as a structure: situation, background, assessment, and recommendation or request. Situation answers why you are contacting this person now. Identify yourself and the patient using the appropriate local process. Background includes information relevant to this change, not every item in the chart. Assessment separates measured findings and observations from your interpretation and uncertainty. Request states the action and urgency you need. A template organizes judgment; it does not supply the judgment.
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Scope and sources
An original team-communication simulation, not a diagnostic or emergency-management protocol. Use current assessment, scope, local escalation procedures and patient privacy requirements. Do not delay emergency action to complete a communication template.
- AHRQ TeamSTEPPS — SBAR
Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation/Request structure team communication.
- AHRQ TeamSTEPPS — Check-Back
The recipient repeats the message and the sender verifies or corrects it.
Sources checked 3 November 2026. Original QuietStride teaching material with synthetic narration and illustrated diagrams. Independent preparation; no exam-provider affiliation or endorsement.