Examining the complexity of communication processes across transition points from the emergency department to improve medication safety. Problems in communication contribute significantly to adverse events that lead to serious harm for Australian consumers. Recent data show medication errors account for over 25% of all adverse events, while over 50% of consumers who move across transition points have medication errors relating to their treatment regimen. Financial costs from adverse events are e ....Examining the complexity of communication processes across transition points from the emergency department to improve medication safety. Problems in communication contribute significantly to adverse events that lead to serious harm for Australian consumers. Recent data show medication errors account for over 25% of all adverse events, while over 50% of consumers who move across transition points have medication errors relating to their treatment regimen. Financial costs from adverse events are estimated at around $A2billion/year, which are likely to increase with further complexities involving consumer care. This study will result in new knowledge about communication processes to inform the development of reporting methods and strategies, which positively influence the practices of health professionals in managing medications as consumers move across different environments.Read moreRead less
Examining healthcare professionals' communication across the surgical pathway to improve patient safety. Recent data show breakdowns in communication contributed to 16% of sentinel events in Australia, the majority of which were of a surgical nature. Financial costs associated with adverse events are enormous, estimated at around $A2billion/year. Economic burden is predicted to increase with further complexities surrounding patients' surgical care. This study will result in new knowledge about c ....Examining healthcare professionals' communication across the surgical pathway to improve patient safety. Recent data show breakdowns in communication contributed to 16% of sentinel events in Australia, the majority of which were of a surgical nature. Financial costs associated with adverse events are enormous, estimated at around $A2billion/year. Economic burden is predicted to increase with further complexities surrounding patients' surgical care. This study will result in new knowledge about communication patterns to inform the development of reporting methods and strategies that positively influence the practices of healthcare professionals. Strategies could be extrapolated to the broader healthcare sector, and provide tactical direction aimed at averting clinical errors, preventing patient harm and reducing healthcare costs.Read moreRead less