Page 51 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part One

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

can potentially create an unsafe patient situation and increase

liability exposure. EHRs can make nursing notes difficult to
locate, so it’s important to effectively communicate with the

team.

Strive for standardized language with nursing and clinical staff.
This is especially important in the hospital setting. Don’t just

assume you are “speaking the same language” especially with
new staff members or those with whom you have not previously

worked. If communication during call coverage received from
the hospital nursing staff is unclear, attempt to ascertain the

primary concern. And if necessary, address concerns regarding
nursing care through the appropriate chain of command.

Communication issues are not limited to interactions with
hospital or new staff. They often arise in the physician’s practice

between the front office and the back. Let’s look at an example.

C A S E S T U DY

Maria Diaz, a 37-year-old pregnant female with a history
of multiple miscarriages, cardiac issues, and gestational

diabetes was seen by Dr. Bobby Radley, an OB at Women’s
Wellness Group. At her first prenatal visit, her blood

glucose was 148 with +4 glucose in her urine. At 13 weeks
gestation, her blood glucose was 239, and she was

referred to a maternal fetal specialist, who started her on
insulin and began diabetic education. Throughout the

pregnancy, Ms. Diaz had three normal ultrasounds and
weekly fetal non-stress tests performed. Midway through

her pregnancy, her insurance coverage lapsed. Seven
days before her due date she presented to the emergency

department with increased blood pressure, swelling, and

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