Fact Sheet
Team communication
Improving the effectiveness of communication among
caregivers and multidisciplinary teams is an essential part
of patient safety and good risk management.
Communication within a medical team can be varied in
terms of style and environments. No matter whether the
team functions within a general medical practice,
speciality practice or an acute care setting, team
members will be required to consider:
• Oral communication about the patient: case
presentations, telephone requests and consultations,
complications, critical event, emergency, transfer,
discharge, death
• Written communication: medical record, consult note,
e-mail, discharge, transfer and death summaries,
death certificate
• Team communication: work rounds, consultant
rounds and treatment planning teams, referrals,
consultations, negotiating differences in treatment
options, negotiating turf issues, disagreeing with a
superior.
Information that transfers between health care team
members about patient care is recognised as an
important consideration in improving patient safety,
work flow and quality care. Ineffective hand over of
information can lead to wrong treatment, delays in
diagnosis, life threatening adverse events, patient
complaints, increased health care expenditure and
increased length of stay1.
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In order to reduce the incidence of harm caused as a
result of communication problems finding ways to
overcome obstacles to effective communication such as;
lack of information sharing, loss of situational awareness,
power differentials and organisational hierarchy2, is
essential.
1
Risk Resources
© MIGA March 2011
Regardless of the size and composition, the medical
team (including practice staff) must have an efficient
mechanism for exchange of information. At the simplest
level it requires the time, space and regular opportunity
for members to meet and discuss patients. An ideal
system includes3:
• A well designed record system
• A regular forum for members to discuss patient
management issues
• A regular forum to discuss and evaluate team
functioning and development.
Team meetings create concentrated time together, not
only providing an opportunity to plan roles and
responsibilities but fosters an understanding of other
team members, their communication styles and cultural
values.
Informal or ad hoc communication is unavoidable in the
day to day workings of caring for patients but with
arrangements for the formal, effective and
comprehensive transfer of information, the risk of
preventable adverse outcomes is reduced.
1
Clinical Handover and Patient Safety, Literature Review Report
March 2005 www.safetyandquality.gov.au
2
3
www.patientsafety.gov
Grant, R.W. & Finocchio, L.J. (1995). California primary care
consortium subcommittee on interdisciplinary collaborative teams in
primary care. A model curriculum & resource guide. San Francisco:
Pew Health Professions. Cited: Baylor College of Medicine’s
Huffington Center on Aging (www.hcoa.org).
Fact Sheet
Team communication
Disclaimer:
The purpose of this document is to provide general information regarding risk management issues affecting health care
professionals in Australia. The information contained in this
document is of a general nature only and does not purport to
take into account, or be relevant to, your personal circumstances. MIGA assumes no responsibility whatsoever if all or
any part of this information or advice is relied on, or acted
upon, by you. When considering what risks arise from your
own practice, you should seek professional advice in relation
to your specific circumstances. Please contact us on Freecall
1800 777 156 (National) for advice specific to your needs.
Contacting MIGA
National Free Call:
1800 777 156
24 hour emergency
advisory service:
(08) 8238 4444
Website:
www.miga.com
Email:
miga@miga.com.au
Adelaide (Head office)
Tel: (08) 8238 4444
Fax: (08) 8238 4445
Brisbane
Tel: (07) 3025 3259
Fax: (07) 3025 3300
Melbourne
Tel: (03) 9832 0847
Fax: (03) 9832 0610
Sydney
Tel: (02) 8860 9525
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Fax: (02) 8860 9595
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Risk Resources
© MIGA March 2011