How Poor Communication Can Lead to Medical Errors

Communication is crucial when providing medical treatment. There has to be effective communication between a physician and their patient and among healthcare providers involved in a patient’s treatment. 

Unfortunately, poor communication happens in the medical field and often leads to medical errors. Here is how this happens:

Physicians and patients

Some physicians engage in actions that contribute to poor communication. A doctor who does not actively listen to a patient and keeps interrupting them increases the chances that they do not receive crucial information. Such poor communication can result in misdiagnosis or the administration of medication a patient is allergic to.

A physician needs to encourage a patient-centered dialogue to get the necessary information. They should also pay attention to non-verbal cues.

Further, when a physician fails to properly communicate a patient’s condition, the proposed treatment and its risks and alternative options, they prevent the patient from giving true consent. For example, when they use complex medical terms without explaining them, or fail to give a patient enough time to ask questions due to limited time for consultation.

This can lead to a patient making critical decisions without fully understanding the potential implications. Lack of informed consent can sometimes be considered a medical error if it results in harm to the patient.

During handoffs

Poor communication is a major problem during handoffs, such as during shift changes or referrals. When a patient is transferred between healthcare professionals, adequate information should be provided. Otherwise, medical errors can occur. 

Poor communication can substantially harm a patient. If you sustained an injury due to a medical error, you should get more information about your case to determine the best way to protect your rights.