I-PASS Handoff

Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) and Illness Severity, Patient Summary, Action List, Situation Awareness, Synthesis by Receiver (I-PASS) are both structured handoff communication tools, but they differ in focus and application. SBAR is straightforward and typically used for quick, concise updates that allow healthcare providers to communicate critical information clearly. In contrast, I-PASS is more comprehensive and is implemented primarily for detailed patient handoffs, especially during transitions in care where thorough patient information is critical to prevent adverse events.

The 5 P’s of patient handoff communication—Patient, Plan, Purpose, Problems, Precautions—are designed to support structured, efficient communication during transitions of care. This framework ensures that essential details about the patient’s condition and care plan are shared accurately, minimizing misunderstandings and enhancing the continuity of care.

In healthcare, a "handoff" and a "pass" both refer to the transfer of responsibility for patient care from one provider to another, but "handoff" is the more formal term used to describe this structured communication process.