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Potential Barriers to Communication
The complexity of healthcare results in many barriers to effective communication.
resistance of caregivers to change behaviours[1]
time pressures from patient care needs and other responsibilities[1]
training and time cost of implementing new hand-over processes[1]
language, education, cultural differences - "staff composition may not reflect the demographics of the community being served"[1]
low health literacy of patient population [1]
lack of financial resources and staffing shortages [1]
technical and specific language of health care
24/7 care
acuity
multiple providers - teams are fluid not fixed
ward activity does not coincide with visiting hours, so overlap between team and family not always possible
geographic distance - community care at distance from tertiary care centre
"the solutions for improving patient safety offer a more constructive approach - one in which success (safer care) is determined by how well caregivers work together as a team, how effectively they communicate with one another and with patients, and how carefully the care delivery processes and supporting systems of are are designed."[1]
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1. World Health Organization. Communication During Patient Hand-overs. Patient Safety Solutions. 2007;May. Available from: www.ccforpatientsafety.org/Patient-Safety-Solutions/