Page 34 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part Two

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

Conclusion

The goal of this course is to help the provider to understand
the difference between communication and effective

communication. Effective communication establishes rapport,
educates, increases patient safety, and reduces professional

liability.

Electronic communication in healthcare can be an asset or

a liability depending on whether or not it is used properly.

Because most state and federal laws lag technological
advances, the practitioner must not assume that all
new technologies are legally or ethically permissible for

communicating with patients and other providers. Privacy

and security are paramount when using electronic means to
communicate in the healthcare field.

While effective communication can reduce malpractice claims,
ineffective communication can create a basis for a claim or

make an otherwise defensible, indefensible. Various types of
ineffective communications leading to malpractice claims occur

as a result of provider-to-patient, provider-to-provider, and
provider-to-staff interactions.

Regardless of the means of
communication used, focus

should always be on the

patient.

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