Creating Effective Communication and Teamwork for Patient Safety

Abstract

Patient Safety cannot exist outside a conducive set of behavioral norms defined as safety culture. Teamwork, effective communication, and safety culture are part of a multidimensional framework that determines quality of care (Figs. 10.1 and 10.2). Good teamwork relies on effective communication, mutual respect, problem solving, and sharing of ideas. Without that care cannot be delivered in a safe and reliable way. This is far from being the norm in today’s health care environment. Many health care providers, particularly physicians, do not have a good understanding of the importance of good communication skills and where they fall short. Many nurses, when surveyed, will admit that their ability to communicate is hindered and that they would be hesitant to point out mistakes made by physicians, even though they judge good teamwork by their ability to speak up. Physicians see good teamwork and communication as the ability and effectiveness to tell others what to do and get it done.