Communication breakdown between physicians and trainees a source of many hospital errors
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
October 24, 2007
A new report issued by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality says that medical residents often commit errors because of a lack of communication between them and their superiors. Specifically, patient handoffs suffered from a communication breakdown between these two groups.The study examined nearly 900 malpractice claims between 2002 and 2004 and determined if the claim involved a physician in training. More than 25% of claims that resulted in an error or injury to the patient involved a trainee. The study aims to look more closely at how teamwork affects medical errors.
To read the release and results of the study, click here.
