SBAR Essay

Instructions

Students will develop a 23 page formal SBAR brief summarizing their proposed QI project topic. The SBAR must reflect doctoral-level synthesis, integrate current evidence, and communicate the rationale for the project in a clear, structured format appropriate for presentation to organizational leaders or stakeholders.

The SBAR should serve as an early-stage project proposal that will evolve as the student moves through project planning, stakeholder engagement, and evidence appraisal.

SBAR Structure and Requirements

1. Situation (Problem Statement)

Clearly describe:

• The clinical or organizational problem of concern
• Who is affected and where the problem occurs
• Why the issue is urgent or meaningful in the current practice setting
• The connection to healthcare quality improvement needs

Expected length: Approximately one paragraph

2. Background (Context and Evidence)

Provide relevant context that supports the significance of the problem:

• Brief overview of the current situation, current practices, and identified gaps
• Summary of key evidence from current literature (35 scholarly sources)
• Relevant baseline data, if available
• Organizational or national guidelines that support the need for change

3. Assessment (Analysis of the Problem)

Demonstrate critical analysis by addressing:

• Factors contributing to the problem (e.g., processes, environment, behaviors, system barriers)
• What is known from the evidence about root causes or contributing factors
• Potential stakeholders and available resources
• Feasibility considerations for addressing the issue within the applied project context

4. Recommendation (Proposed QI Direction)

Propose a preliminary intervention direction aligned with the emerging PICOT question, which will be defined in Module 3.

• Proposed practice change, process improvement, or educational intervention
• Intended evidence-based outcomes
• Alignment with organizational goals or accreditation priorities
• Support or next steps needed to move forward (e.g., stakeholder approval, baseline data collection)

Formatting Requirements

• 23 pages (excluding title page and references)
• Do not include an introduction; begin with the Situation section and follow SBAR headings
• APA 7th edition formatting for citations and reference list
• Professional, concise, and technically accurate writing
• Use headings for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation

Grading Rubric

Please see the Canvas Grading Rubric below.

Please review the rubric for how your work will be graded. The deliverable will be evaluated on a total of 20 points. Prior to starting any graded coursework, students are expected to read through the rubric so they know how they will be assessed. You are encouraged to self-assess your responses and make informed revisions before submitting your final report. Engaging in this learning practice will support you in developing your best work.

Deliverable will be graded based on what was submitted against the rubric criteria. Missing parts submitted after the deadline will not be graded.

Rubric

SBAR Assignment

Situation (Problem Statement)

4 pts

Exemplary

Clearly and concisely describes the clinical or organizational problem, who is affected, where it occurs, and its urgency, with a strong connection to healthcare quality improvement.

Background (Context and Evidence) (4 points)

4 pts

Exemplary

Provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation, practices, gaps, and evidence from 35 scholarly sources, including relevant data and guidelines.

Assessment (Analysis of the Problem

4 pts

Exemplary

Thoroughly analyzes contributing factors, evidence on root causes, stakeholders, resources, and feasibility considerations.

Recommendation (Proposed QI Direction)

4 pts

Exemplary

Proposes a well-aligned intervention with clear outcomes, organizational alignment, and detailed next steps.

Formatting and Writing

Demonstrates APA 7 and Academic Writing Standards

4 pts

Exemplary

Adheres to APA 7th edition, is professionally written, concise, and technically accurate, with clear SBAR headings.