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Review
. 2019 Aug;66(4):751-773.
doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2019.03.004. Epub 2019 May 13.

Communication at Transitions of Care

Shilpa J Patel  1 , Christopher P Landrigan  2
Affiliations
Review

Communication at Transitions of Care

Shilpa J Patel et al. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2019 Aug.

Abstract

Communication errors during transitions of care are a leading source of adverse events for hospitalized patients. This article provides an overview of the role of communication errors in adverse events, describes the complexities of communication for hospitalized patients, and provides evidence regarding the positive effects of applying high-reliability principles to transitions of care and culture of safety. Elements of effective handoffs and a detailed approach for successful implementation of a handoff program are provided. The role of handoff communication in medical education at all levels, as well as for the interprofessional team, is discussed.

Keywords: Culture of safety; Handoffs; Handovers; Patient safety; Structured communication; Transitions of care.

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