Communication and team function affect patient outcomes in anaesthesia: getting the message across. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Merry, Alan F.; Weller, Jennifer M.
• Is Part Of: British journal of anaesthesia. Volume 127:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 349
• Page End: 352
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: anaesthesia -- closed claims -- communication -- incident reporting -- patient safety -- surgery -- teamwork; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Anesthesia -- Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.06.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0912

Abstract

Summary: A study in this edition of the Journal has added to data showing that failures in communication in the operating room contribute to patient harm. These data support the view that multidisciplinary teamwork and communication training should be part of the continuous professional development of all members of the perioperative team. Achieving change will require efforts to win the hearts and minds of all concerned, but these data also support an expectation that engagement in initiatives and techniques to enhance communication and teamwork should not be optional.