Communication: Critical to Patient Safety and Improved Outcomes

Pulsara partnered with the Center for Patient Safety to discuss how to improve communication during time-sensitive emergencies at EMS Today 2020

When it comes to ensuring patient safety and positive outcomes in emergency care, one factor almost always plays a role: communication. At EMS Today in Tampa Bay, Florida, Kris Kaull, Pulsara’s Chief Marketing Officer, joined Brian LaCroix, EMS coordinator for the Center for Patient Safety and President of the National EMS Management Association, to discuss how communication plays a vital role and what causes communication breakdowns in healthcare settings.

Communication is an exchange of information—whether verbal or electronic—that requires a number of factors to happen successfully. In an emergency response setting, it’s even more important for communication to occur in a manner that is calm, focused and well-executed, even when the stakes are high. One interruption in a flow of data or misunderstanding in a conversation can put the life of a patient at risk.

Kaull and LaCroix explained how the work of EMS personnel, while intense and stressful, requires them to be self-aware and clear communicators in order to create life-saving outcomes for the patients they care for.

It’s important for EMS leaders and clinicians to foster and embrace a culture of safety in their agencies to ensure their patient can experience the best outcomes possible, especially during transitions of care when communication is key.

Based on a discussion in a previously recorded podcast by MCHD assistant medical director, Casey B. Patrick, and Kris Kaull, the veteran paramedics/EMS leaders reminded the audience of seven aspects of time-critical emergency care that can sometimes impact our ability to communicate effectively and stay focused on patient safety and survival.

1. Rushing vs. moving quickly
Even in time-sensitive emergencies, stop and think when providing care. There is a difference between responding quickly to accelerate treatment and carelessly rushing.

2. Working outside your normal environment
Critical emergencies can occur anywhere, so it’s important to stay focused on the patient’s survival, regardless of the surroundings you’re in.

3. Groupthink vs. teamwork
EMS teams are comprised of multiple people to support each other and work together to create the best outcomes possible.

4. Relying on the expert (or being that expert)
Don’t doubt your ability to provide life-saving care, but also know when to ask for a second opinion of another knowledgeable team member.

5. Focusing on tasks
Treating the patient successfully is the priority. Make checklists and have a back up plan with your team.

6. Information overload
Emergency response requires patient data and sometimes there can be too much or too little. Know what data is the most important to the patient’s needs.  

7. Physical and emotional stress or fatigue
EMS personnel lead stressful livelihoods and need to take a timeout. Take rest when needed as its key to optimal performance.