Communication poor in health care
An article recently appeared in the paper criticizing the poor communication between doctor and patient. While admittedly, less than optimal, at least some attention has recently been focused on this matter as exemplified by its incorporation into multiple patient satisfaction survey instruments – utilized in both physicians’ offices and in hospitals.
What has slipped under the patient radar, however, is even more distressing – the often total lack of communication between physicians in matters related to a given patient’s care.
Not uncommonly, a physician will not take the 30-60 seconds to verbally provide background patient information, or for that matter even the indication for a consultation to be performed by another specialist.
Even more disquieting and perhaps detrimental to patient care, it is equally uncommon to have a consulting specialist take a few moments to place a personal call to a colleague to report his findings and recommendations.