Which practice is part of a telephone report?

• A. Do not document who was called
• B. Do not use SBAR
• C. Have data prepared before contacting, use SBAR, document name and time, and read back critical results
• D. Only call for non-urgent information

Answer: (C)

In telephone reports, clear and verifiable communication is essential to safe and effective continuity of care. The best practice combines preparation, a standardized structure, proper documentation, and verification.

First, have data prepared before you contact the recipient. This ensures you present a complete, accurate picture and don’t miss critical details in the moment. Next, use a structured framework like SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) to organize the message so the receiver can quickly grasp what’s happening, why it matters, and what you’re asking for. Documenting who you spoke with and the time of the call creates a traceable record for accountability and continuity. Finally, read back critical results to confirm that the information was understood correctly and to catch any misinterpretations.

Why this matters: without documenting who was called, there’s a gap in accountability and traceability. Skipping a standardized structure like SBAR can lead to missed information or unclear handoffs. Limiting calls to non-urgent information ignores the reality that urgent information often needs prompt, structured, and verified communication to prevent harm.

Overall, these steps help ensure accurate information transfer, timely decisions, and patient safety during telephone reporting.