There are many examples of medical malpractice, from misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis to surgical errors, administering the wrong medication, and failing to order proper testing. But how do these mistakes happen in the first place? Sure, everyone is human, but we should all be able to expect competent, compassionate, and professional care when we visit the doctor. Surprising as it may be, one of the biggest reasons is communication errors between doctors and nurses.
Effective communication is the backbone of quality healthcare. Without it, any number of things can go wrong. Sometimes, that might lead to a minor breakdown behind the scenes that can be fixed quickly, but other times, it can have devastating consequences.
Let’s explore a few examples of communication errors between doctors and nurses and what they mean for patient safety and care:
4 Communication Errors Between Doctors and Nurses
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Incomplete or inaccurate patient handoffs
We have all been in a situation where the responsibility for our care is transferred from one provider to another. During these exchanges, there should be a detailed conversation about the patient’s condition, treatment plan, or medication regimen. The original provider will also likely take thorough notes on the patient chart. That way, everything is documented, and the new provider can seamlessly pick up where the other left off. Many times, these details can be miscommunicated or omitted entirely. For instance, a doctor may write down the wrong dosage on a patient chart or forget to provide instructions regarding a patient’s existing allergy to a certain medication.
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Failure to clarify patient orders and needs
It is common for a doctor or nurse to occasionally not understand verbal or written instructions from another provider. For instance, the written notes on a chart might be unreadable or confusing. A nurse might notice that a similar-sounding drug name was communicated verbally to her when she knows it was supposed to be something else. In these and other situations, it is incumbent on them to eliminate any ambiguity and ask questions. If they do not, it can lead to serious medical errors and place the patient in significant danger.
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Ignoring or dismissing concerns
This is yet another unfortunate example of communication errors between doctors and nurses that are all too common. For instance, a nurse might notice a significant change in a patient’s condition (rapid heart rate, early signs of sepsis, etc.) and communicate it immediately to the attending physician. But for whatever reason, the doctor does not take immediate action or dismisses those concerns. Conversely, the nurse may notice a change but not say anything, thus creating a situation where the doctor cannot effectively help the patient in a dire situation.
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Failure to communicate patient communication
Many times, communication breakdowns occur when a patient calls the doctor’s office, and despite leaving an urgent message regarding potential post-surgical complications, that message never gets relayed to the primary care doctor. This can happen for many reasons: the receptionist forgot, the nurse assumed it wasn’t severe enough, misfiled notes, etc. Regardless, the result can be catastrophic.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it includes many common communication errors that can lead to significant consequences. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Please do not hesitate to contact a medical malpractice attorney for a free consultation. We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses.
We will also work with outside medical specialists and other experts to build a strong case that supports your claim. You deserve compassionate and knowledgeable legal advice, and we are here to help.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!!
At Keys Law, we are dedicated to representing victims of medical malpractice and their families. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. We will handle all aspects of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, if necessary. We understand that the legal process can be overwhelming, especially for those dealing with the aftermath of medical malpractice. That is why we will keep you informed every step of the way, so you always know what is going on with your case.
Our staff is always available. Call us today!