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SVMIC Risk Basics: Systems
• A process for verification (obtain adequate and verified information
about the patient)
• An opportunity to review any relevant historical data
15
The emergence of hospitalists has improved inpatient care but not
without presenting potential patient safety and liability issues. Breakdown
in communication and incomplete transfer at hospital discharge are
common factors leading to medical errors, poor patient outcomes, and
liability claims. For physicians who hand off hospital care to a hospitalist,
a formal agreement with expectations for communication can reduce the
likelihood that these situations will arise.
The following suggestions may be helpful in creating an effective
relationship with hospitalists and in developing a formal agreement:
• Inform patients ahead of time that hospitalized treatment will be
transferred to a hospitalist.
• Communicate with the hospitalist as to how and when you want to
be contacted, and make sure you are accessible to the hospitalist.
• Ask to be notified of admissions, including the diagnosis and name
of admitting hospitalist.
• Send a summary of the patient’s progress and major changes in
health status or diagnosis.
• Ask to be given updates on the patient’s progress and major
changes in health status or diagnosis.
• Ask to be notified of complications during the hospitalization.
• Request a phone call from the hospitalist if the patient requires
prompt follow-up in the office.
15 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Patient safety primers: handoffs and signouts. Available at:
http://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer.aspx?primerID=9
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