Communication has played a key role in the survival of civilisations.
It is recognised as a crucial way of solving problems with successful solutions. Moreover, it is important in healthcare as poor communication can cost somebody their life. Communication failures have adverse effects on both staff and patients. It leads to resource wastage and consequently, high healthcare costs. The question is, what action could the healthcare sector take to mitigate these effects?
The use of theatre caps and how can it help with communicational issues
Lack of teamwork in operating theatres can cause healthcare errors. The fundamental requirement of cooperation is good communication. Implementing name and role theatre caps which are clearly identifiable has been proven to improve teamwork. During a clinical crisis, knowing each other's names will help to seek better assistance and give out instructions. The healthcare setting should implement name and role hats to lessen the clinical incidents caused by miscommunication. This practice will:
● Improve patient and staff satisfaction
● Reduce costs
● Prevent resource wastage
● Enable a safer working environment
How aviation safety is decades ahead of healthcare
Fatalities from aviation incidents are minute as compared to those caused by clinical incidents. Aviation has much more advanced policies for safety and control. Pilots undergo constant simulated training catering to new techniques and safety protocols. Although doctors also undergo examinations, a lack of simulation training to cope with a crisis can put patients' lives at risk. Here is how healthcare can take lessons from aviation in terms of safety:
1. Universal Rules: Aviation is overseen by the government associations and therefore rules and policies are the same for everyone. However, rules and policies are different for healthcare workers depending on their ranks and the trusts they belong to. This causes problems as well as a hierarchical barrier.
2. Fault Reporting System: Aviation agencies have an online reporting system for errors or any safety issues they come across. This system is a great help in solving safety issues and being up to date with safety policies, however, no such reporting system is established in healthcare.
3. Human Factor Personnel onboard: Aviation employ human factor personnel to help them investigate critical situations. The expertise and opinions that the human factor group provides would help to minimise errors and problems, but no such initiative is taken by the healthcare sector.
Some of the fundamental ways in which operating theatres work, with regards to the reporting of errors are still proving difficult to change/improve but making small incremental changes can help. Implementing name and role hats have proved to be successful in improving communication and therefore should be considered. As well as the fabric hats being a fantastic alternative, changing to name and role theatre caps is the way forward and will help the NHS to become more sustainable, safer and ensure better communication.
Contact Warwick Med
Are you looking for important initiatives working hard for a better healthcare future? Warwickmed is exactly that. We have introduced reusable "name and role" cloth hats, saving the planet and easing patients' anxieties. Better communication for improved healthcare.
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