Good Communications Vital For High Quality Patient Care

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 01 Nov 2009 - 0:00 PST

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NHS Confederation chief executive Steve Barnett comments on the publication of today's CQC report on the management of prescribed medicines after patient discharge from hospital.

"Sharing and coordinating information about patients moving through the system is an integral part of any healthcare service. Keeping up to date and accurate patient records is vital if clinicians are confident their patients are receiving the right treatment and follow-up care.

"With care becoming increasingly complex, organisations need to improve upon the current ways of sharing information keeping frontline staff informed of a patient's situation upon discharge.

"Having robust systems in place for admissions and discharge medication errors allows both GPs and PCTs a clear picture on where processes and communication can be improved upon.

"Effective leadership which gives staff clear guidance about sharing discharge information is key to making sure incidents concerning the incorrect prescription or management of medication is kept to a minimum, especially when patients are being transferred from one part of the system to the other."

Source
The NHS Confederation