ICU 1Clinical Reasoning

Rapid Response and ISBAR

Assessor

PGY4+

Due

Week 4

Requirement

Mandatory

What Assessors Look For

Structured ISBAR handover
Recognition of clinical deterioration
Appropriate escalation and urgency communication
Concise relevant information transfer
Clear request for response/action

Key Points to Demonstrate

1I - Identify: "I'm [name], medical student calling about [patient] in [location]"
2S - Situation: "I'm calling because..." (one sentence problem)
3B - Background: Relevant PMHx, admission diagnosis, recent events
4A - Assessment: Current vitals, examination findings, your impression
5R - Recommendation: What you need - "I think they need ICU review" or "Can you come now?"

Tips for Success

  • 💡Write ISBAR on paper before calling - it helps structure your thoughts
  • 💡State urgency upfront: "This is urgent" vs "This is for your information"
  • 💡Have the chart, vitals, and recent results in front of you
  • 💡Practice with nurses - they give great feedback on handovers

Study Resources