Clinician and Family Communication Shayna Brownstein Wassa Panont Akash Shah Priyal Mehta
Problem family members are intrusive to care delivery process Nursing and MD care is disrupted by family members asking so many questions
Solutions MD/nurse could voice-record messages to family at their convenience that family could log onto online – wearable voice recorder attached to MD/nurse – they could record message while charting
Solutions text message/ sent automatically to family, that gathers data from vital signs and sends them an update on the patient’s status – could be sent periodically, or just when there are major changes (e.g. if the patient becomes conscious)
References (2010). "Approved: New and revised hospital EPs to improve patient- provider communication." Jt Comm Perspect 30(1): 5-6. Delbanco, T., J. Walker, et al. (2010). “Open notes: doctors and patients signing on.” Ann Intern Med 153(2): Schaefer, K. G. and S. D. Block (2009). “Physician communication with families in the ICU: evidence-based strategies for improvement.” Curr Opin Crit Care 15(6): Schyve, P. M. (2007). "Language differences as a barrier to quality and safety in health care: the Joint Commission perspective." J Gen Intern Med 22 Suppl 2: Stricker, K.H., O. Kimberger et all. (2010). “Family satisfaction in the intensive care unit: what makes the difference?” Intensive Care Med 35: