How can my colleagues and I effectively communicate and work with one another to improve patient outcomes?
This is a wide-ranging question, as "communication" consists of everything from a voice conversation to email to medical notes placed into an electronic medical record or chart; and "work with one another" consists of each and every interaction. Communication, as a basic concept, presumes transmission of information and reception of that information. The goal is to ensure that what is transmitted is clear, and that the transmitter and receiver's perception of the information is identical.
There are two simple rules to employ, one which clarifies transmitted information and one which increases the likelihood that the receiver has understood correctly. To clearly transmit information, use a format called SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation). The Situation is a three second headline that grabs the person’s attention and encapsulates the major issue. The Background is a 10 to 30 second paragraph that provides background details. The Assessment is the transmitter’s critical thinking about the issue — their perception of how the facts warrant action. And the Recommendation is the action or actions that might be taken. For example: "(Situation) Mrs. Jones isn't breathing well and her lips are blue. (Background) She was eating peanuts. (Assessment) Either she's having an allergic reaction or she inhaled a peanut. (Recommendation) We need to do a Heimlich maneuver, and then get her to a place where she can be assessed and treated for allergy. Does anyone have an epi pen?"
The second method is closing the communication loop by reading back or speaking back what’s been heard by the receiver to ensure its accuracy. Using the SBAR example above, this might be the following: "Mrs. Jones isn't breathing well because she inhaled a peanut or is having an allergic reaction. I'm checking on an epi pen now."
These concepts are applicable for both verbal and written communications.
Related Courses/Lessons
PS 103: Teamwork and Communication
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