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Hospital Communication Lapses Reported in HHS Survey

A government survey finds patients are often dissatisfied by their communication with hospital staff.

The survey results, based on a random sampling of patients at more than 2,500 hospitals, were released online by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Results can be compared between hospitals and with state and national averages.

On average:

• 21% of patients said they were not given information at discharge about what to do during their recovery at home;
  
• 27% said nurses did not always communicate well with them, and 21% said doctors didn’t always, either;
  
• 42% said hospital staff did not always explain drugs before providing them;
  
• 33% said pain was not always well controlled;
  
• 40% said call buttons were not always answered quickly.
  

"Poor communication is a major source of medical errors," Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, told the New York Times. "Patients who do not understand discharge instructions are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital or end up in the emergency room."

LINK(S):

Health and Human Services survey site (Free)

New York Times story (One-time registration required)

Associated Press story (Free)

Published in Physician's First Watch March 31, 2008