Greenberg et al identified a number of ways to improve communications between health care providers. These should help reduce the number of unintended injuries to patients. The authors are from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Recommendations:
(1) establish protocols for high risk activities
(2) improve the accuracy of communications
Protocols:
(1) for performing and reporting counts in the operating room
(2) for patient transfer
(3) for handing off of patient care
Communications:
(1) read back of critical information (with names of conversants)
(2) written documentation with date and time
(3) delivery verification for asynchronous communications
(4) establish triggers for when to contact attending physicians
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