Effective communication is the foundation of human connection, conducted at every fabric of society. The landscape of hospitals and health systems is no different, as communication is key to the development and maintenance of patient safety. Despite the importance of its role, however, miscommunication remains a consistently pervasive problem.
A study by FierceHealthcare reports that poor communication is a factor in 1,744 patient deaths over the past five years. These numbers show that better communication can indeed benefit both the patients and healthcare professionals, as it allows for better patient protection and practice efficiency.
Shifting The Focus on Patient Safety
Considering the importance of communication in healthcare necessitates a deep understanding of patient safety. A good communication structure in any healthcare organization ensures the reduction of mistakes and failures—with hospitals, however, lives are at stake. This makes the need even direr. Doctors and healthcare staff are expected to communicate properly, especially when it comes to patient care, treatment plan, and of course, recovery.
To properly improve communication, hospitals and internal systems must place patient care at the top of priorities. Certain high-risk tasks require extensive and clear communication, such as surgeries and emergency procedures. That said, everyone involved must know how procedures are done, which actions best fit certain scenarios, and of course, the type of communication used according to patients.
How Hospitals Are Fighting Back
Hospitals are now investing in collaboration training with colleagues, which requires them to be in constant touch with various departments. A part of the equation includes the patients, followed closely by staff, doctors, and lab technicians, thereby creating a smooth and seamless system. Such collaboration also necessitates accurate input of information on databases, which can also jeopardize patient safety.
Hospitals are also highlighting their business side, whether publicly or privately funded. This allows them to operate better, especially since hospital managers and leaders are prompted to effectively collaborate with doctors, staff, and of course, patients. This pushes leaders to be more proactive in sensitive administrative tasks, as well as individual patient care plans. They maintain open lines of communication, allowing an effective flow of information between departments and other healthcare organizations.
The healthcare industry also continuously invests in telemedicine advancements, especially those that require the use of internet-connected technologies. Patient record sharing and departmental communication is also made easier, as files can easily be accessed within the organization.
The role of telemedicine is further highlighted in such unprecedented times, as it has allowed doctors to see patients remotely, actively playing their roles despite the circumstances. Patients are able to receive medical advice and care without leaving the comfort of their own homes. Conversations can take place through video chat and other digital methods, eliminating the need for face-to-face interactions. These methods allow hospitals to cut on costs, but more importantly, uphold patient care and experience by creating a seamless communication experience.
Paving the Way Forward to Better Healthcare Communication Practices
The issues faced by the healthcare system are aplenty, especially in the current setting. Despite the circumstances, however, providers must place patient safety at the forefront of development. Unlike other markets, lives are always on the line—a single mistake in the communication lines can claim a life.
That said, healthcare organizations all over the world are called to redesign their systems and adapt seamless communication methods. The goal now is to get 1,744 patient deaths to zero.
For the best health blog posts and other industry news, Dose of Healthcare is the place to go. We offer you a wealth of resources—keep in touch with us daily.
