What structured communication framework is recommended for post-resuscitation handoffs?

• A. SOAP
• B. PACE
• C. ABC
• D. SBAR

Answer: (D)

Structured communication during post-resuscitation handoffs should be concise, complete, and standardized to prevent missing critical information. The best framework for this is SBAR, a simple four-part scaffold: Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation.

Start with the current situation: what is happening now and the reason for the handoff. Then provide Background: relevant events leading to this point, such as the arrest details, initial rhythm, treatments given, and patient history. Next comes the Assessment: your current status, including vital signs, airway and breathing status, circulation, neurologic status, and any concerns or changes since the resuscitation. Finally, lay out the Recommendation: what needs to be done next, who is responsible, any orders or monitoring requirements, and what to watch for.

This format helps ensure essential elements are communicated quickly and clearly, reduces risk of omissions, and creates a shared understanding between teams. Other formats like SOAP focus more on documentation and a narrative history, ABC centers on the sequence of clinical priorities during resuscitation rather than handoff communication, and PACE isn’t the standard framework used for this transition in many settings. SBAR is specifically designed to structure communication during transitions of care, making it the most suitable choice for post-resuscitation handoffs.