REx-PN Management of Care: Continuity of Care and Collaboration with the Interprofessional Team
Use structured handover, SBAR and closed-loop communication to transfer concerns and responsibility clearly.
- Handover transfers responsibility as well as information.
- SBAR makes a concern and a request easier to follow.
- Confirm the receiver's understanding and who owns the next action.
Sources checked 6 October 2026.
What makes a handover complete?
Identify the client and receiving clinician, communicate the current condition, important changes, risks, pending tasks and escalation plan, and make responsibility for follow-up explicit. Use the organisation's handover structure. A long list of historical facts can hide the present concern; prioritise information needed for safe continuation of care.
How does SBAR structure a concern?
Situation states the immediate concern. Background gives the relevant context. Assessment describes current observations and your assessment. Recommendation or request states what you need next. AHRQ's TeamSTEPPS resources use structured communication to reduce missing information; the structure supports judgment rather than replacing it.
What is closed-loop communication?
State the message clearly, have the receiver check back the key information, and confirm or correct it. Clarify the expected action, responsible person and timing. Follow the service's policy for verbal orders and read-back. Do not assume that leaving a message means the concern has been received and acted on.
How should unresolved concerns be escalated?
If the client's condition requires urgent help, use the local urgent-response pathway. If the concern remains unresolved, continue through the appropriate chain of communication and reassess. Document the concern, who was contacted, the response and follow-up. Invite questions during handover and include the client appropriately while protecting privacy.