RISK TIP Telephone Communication for Healthcare Providers:
Safety Strategies BY NICOLE FRANKLIN, MS, CPHRM, PATIENT SAFETY RISK MANAGER II, THE DOCTORS COMPANY
The way we communicate has changed dramatically over the years. Even with the introduction of technology-based communications, such as social networking sites, telemedicine, and texting, the telephone call is still the most widely used communication tool between healthcare providers and patients. Telephone conversations can, however, present difficulties and may be inherently deceptive if both parties lack the ability to observe nonverbal communication (for example, facial expressions, eye contact, and gestures) that clarify and qualify what the voice is expressing. When casually or carelessly conducted, telephone communications can lead to diagnostic errors and misunderstandings that may culminate in professional malpractice claims.
To find out more about what differentiates The Doctors Company from other medical malpractice insurance carriers as a physician-first insurer, contact Matt Lawrence at 310.492.4845 or mlawrence@thedoctors.com. CCMA members receive additional savings!
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CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS
Spring 2022
