Abstract
Background
The current state of scientific knowledge regarding communication between emergency
medicine (EM) providers indicates that communication is critical to safe and effective
patient care.
Objectives
In this study, we identified communication needs of EM nurses and physicians; in particular,
what information should be conveyed, when, how, and to whom.
Methods
Five semi-structured focus groups and one interview were conducted with nine nurses,
eight attending physicians, and four residents. Questions addressed how EM personnel
use and share information about patients and clinical work, what information tends
to be exchanged, and what additional information would be helpful to share. Sessions
were audio recorded. Transcripts were generated and analyzed using a concept mapping
approach (a visual qualitative analysis technique to represent and convey synthesized
knowledge).
Results
Eleven concept maps were produced summarizing: information physicians needed from
nurses and vice versa; methods of communication that could be utilized; barriers or
obstacles to effective communication; strategies to enhance or ensure effective communication;
and environmental or situational factors that impact communication.
Conclusions
Our main finding of this research is that communication ensures shared awareness of
patient health status, the care plan, status of plan steps and orders, and, especially,
any critical changes or “surprises” regarding the health of a patient. Additionally,
the research identified shared information needs; communication methods, strategies
and barriers; and factors affecting successful communication, and has implications
for both system and training design. Key implications for emergency nursing practice
from this research are distilled in 10 ‘best practice’ strategies for improving EM
nurse–physician communication.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 05, 2020
Accepted:
October 27,
2019
Received in revised form:
October 21,
2019
Received:
June 18,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
