The Impact Of Poor Communication In a Medical Office and Why It’s Critical To Avoid

Everyone agrees that communication issues cause a vast number of problems in any workplace. Within a medical office, these problems can compound and result in poor patient care, which must be avoided at all times. What is the impact of poor communication, and why is it critical to address it and prevent it? Here are some things to think about.

Medical Errors

The single most problematic result of poor communication is the possibility of medical errors. If the intake staff, nurses, and doctors are unable to communicate and coordinate, something may fall through the cracks that negatively impacts the health of the patient. This is unconscionable and needs to be addressed and improved immediately.

Long Wait Times

Your patients also expect a level of care that includes as short a wait time as possible. There are aspects of your practice that are out of your control. But when and where, you can ensure that patients don’t have to wait excessively for care. Long wait times can increase patient stress, which can impact their exams and treatments.

Staff Frustration

We all know what it feels like to be ignored or not listened to fully. When that happens in a clinical environment, so many other things can be impacted. But frustration on the part of medical staff can fester and lead to employee burnout, among other side effects. Reduce frustration and stress in the workplace by reinforcing good communication standards.

Poor Treatments or Recommendations

Patients coming into the office for treatment need to understand the process fully. If there is poor communication anywhere along the line, including from the nursing staff to the doctors, it could result in less than complete treatment or recommendation. It’s also important to encourage patients to communicate fully to receive the correct care.

Incomplete Follow Up

When poor communication is at play, follow up may be at a minimum if non-existent altogether. But follow up for doctors and patients is as important as the initial care. Without good communication skills, from all levels of staff to patients, this may not happen with the frequency that it should. Improve this aspect of your practice for better long-term results.

Let CornerstoneMedical keep you fully staffed

Communication is critical in every medical office, but if you are also short staffed, contact CornerStone Medical today.

 

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