What information should the nurse include in the "background" portion of the SBAR communication?

The background portion of the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication model serves to provide crucial context about the patient's situation. In this section, it's essential to include relevant historical information that can impact the patient's current condition and treatment. Offering insights into previous treatments, including any surgeries, interventions, or past medical events, is vital for the receiving healthcare provider to understand the patient's baseline and any potential complications that may arise from past medical issues.

By detailing previous treatments, the nurse supplies important context regarding how the patient has responded in the past and what may be relevant to their current care. This information can influence decision-making and further assessment in managing the patient’s needs effectively. On the other hand, current medications, vital signs, and family history, while important, are considered more suitable for other parts of the SBAR model where they align more closely with either assessment data or specific situational context.