Universal Communication Issues, Inadequate Patient Tracking Create Biggest Treatment Delays

 
A review in the newest issue of Health Affairs has identified several causes contributing to diagnosis and treatment delays.

Advertisement

 

The review analyzed 111 reports submitted to the Veterans Affairs National Center for Patient Safety analyzing medical treatment delays between 2005 and 2012.

Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!

The most common factors contributing to diagnosis and treatment delays were inadequate follow-up plans, delayed scheduling, inadequate result test-tracking and lack of systemic capability to track patients for short-term follow-ups.

Another major contributor was miscommunication between providers and among providers, patients, healthcare team members and families.

The review suggests that investing in communication improvement strategies may yield significant benefits for expedited quality care.

More Articles on Quality: 

WHO Updates Healthcare Waste Management Handbook

6 C’s of Teamwork in the OR

Patient Safety Tool: HAI Prevention Program Roadmap

 

At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Uncategorized

Advertisement

Comments are closed.