article Open AccessTop 1% cited

Communication Failures: An Insidious Contributor to Medical Mishaps

Academic Medicine · 2004 · Vol. 79(2) · pp. 186–194

Kathleen M. Sutcliffe✉(University of Michigan–Ann Arbor)Elizabeth Lewton(University of Michigan–Ann Arbor)Marilynn M. Rosenthal(University of Michigan–Ann Arbor)

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Abstract

The occurrence of everyday medical mishaps in this study is associated with faulty communication; but, poor communication is not simply the result of poor transmission or exchange of information. Communication failures are far more complex and relate to hierarchical differences, concerns with upward influence, conflicting roles and role ambiguity, and interpersonal power and conflict. A clearer understanding of these dynamics highlights possibilities for appropriate interventions in medical education and in health care organizations aimed at improving patient safety.

Patient Safety and Medication Errors Medical Malpractice and Liability Issues Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic SkillsInterpersonal communicationSpecialtyHealth carePsychological interventionPsychologyNursingInterpersonal relationshipMedicineMedical educationFamily medicine

MeSH terms

AdultClinical CompetenceCommunicationFemaleHospitals, TeachingHumansInternship and ResidencyInterprofessional RelationsInterviews as TopicMalePatient Care ManagementPhysician-Patient RelationsPhysician's RoleRandom AllocationSampling Studies

Citations

1,035

FWCI

32.45

field-weighted impact

References

Percentile

100%

vs. same field & year

Citations per year

Cited by

Interprofessional collaboration: effects of practice-based interventions on professional practice and healthcare outcomes