Using SBAR to Communicate With Policymakers

Carolyn Jurns, DNP, MSN, RN

Online J Issues Nurs. 2019;24(1)

Summary

The importance of nurse advocacy in policy matters and the current gap in this practice area is well established. Using SBAR, an evidence-based, time efficient communication tool known to many nurses and nursing students, is a logical approach to overcoming barriers to participating in policy advocacy. Nurses must find their voice in order to promote the nursing profession and to optimize population health endeavors in policy arenas.

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Acknowledgment
The author would like to express appreciation to Mark McClelland DNP, RN, CPHQ Director, Quality International Operations, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, for his encouragement and guidance in the early stages of writing this manuscript.

Cite this: Using SBAR to Communicate With Policymakers - Medscape - Jan 01, 2019.

Table 1. Applying (I)SBAR in Communicating with Policymakers
(I)SBAR Component	Corresponding Component in Communication with Policymaker
Identify	Identify self and your (Advocacy and Communication Solutions [ACS], 2015; American Public Health Association, n.d.): Personal qualifications to speak on this issue (American Public Health Association, n.d.; Brownson et al., 2006; Teater, 2009) Association with significant stakeholder or stakeholder group (if applicable) (ACS, 2015; American Public Health Association, n.d.; Teater, 2009)
Situation	Summarize the concern (ACS, 2015; American Public Health Association, n.d.; Brownson et al., 2006)
Background	Educate the policymaker regarding the issue (ACS, 2015; American Public Health Association, n.d.; Kingdon, 2003; Brownson et al., 2006) Policymakers are often not aware of a healthcare related issue or may not understand its details or ramifications of policy decisions
Assessment	Need for action Immediate relevance: Explain why the status quo is unacceptable (ACS, 2015; Kingdon, 2003; Teater, 2009) When sharing this information, it is more impactful if it is: Personalized to yourself by sharing a personal experience (ACS, 2015; Teater, 2009) Personalized to the policymaker by sharing how the issue affects and is affected by some of the policymakers (other) interests: For example: His/her constituents His/her district Other stakeholders of interest (ACS, 2015; Kingdon, 2003; Teater, 2009) Situated in the context of broader support. For example: What is the political climate associated with this concern? (Kingdon, 2003) Who else supports your assessment/recommendation? (Kingdon, 2003) Show the recommendation to be feasible, and/or ideally, optimal (Kingdon, 2003)
Recommend	This is your personal recommendation or, if applicable, the recommendation of a larger group with which you are affiliated (ACS, 2015; Kingdon, 2003; Teater, 2009)

Table 2. Sample Communication with Policymaker
Hello Senator Smith: (I) As an RN who has lived and practiced in your district at X facility for 15 years, (S) I am concerned about the proposed regulation regarding healthcare issue Y. (B) I understand that you serve on the local hospital advisory board and are concerned about those in your district who are struggling with Y. I have extensive experience working with clients with this health and wellness concern and can testify to the need for continued funding for program Z. A recent survey of program Z participants and primary care providers indicated the program has had a positive impact on the participants' health and wellness. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that for every state dollar spent on this program, 1.3 state dollars are saved (in another area). Program Z is cost efficient and positively affects your constituents. Support for Program Z has been given by group A, organization B, and association C. Your intervention is required at this time before the funding expires. (R) I request that you act to extend the funding for program Z before the funding expires on [date] of this year. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, Jane Doe, BSN, RN

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Using SBAR to Communicate With Policymakers

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