Effects of poor communication between nurses & doctors & other providers

By Nicole Kraut RN

Effective communication is an essential component of quality health care. It is well known that there is a strong correlation between the communication skills of healthcare providers and patient health outcomes. Nurses are at the forefront of patient care; therefore, they are responsible for communicating vital patient information to any providers involved in a patient’s plan of care. It is essential to patient safety and outcomes that effective communication occurs between nurses and physicians.

Why Poor Communication Occurs

The effects of poor communication in healthcare can occur for a variety of reasons, either intentionally or unintentionally. Healthcare can be very unpredictable, complicated, and stressful. Patient needs can arise unexpectedly, and a patient’s condition can change rapidly. This unpredictability and urgency can lead to unplanned communication between providers, contributing to a breakdown in effective communication between nurses and physicians.

Too Much Info, Too Quickly

An example of a poor communication pattern during a stressful situation is when a provider attempts to deliver as much information as possible, as quickly as possible. For instance, when a patient’s health is rapidly declining, the nurse might phone the physician and quickly relay vital signs, the patient’s history, medications given, and any significant events leading up to the patient's current state. While all this information is crucial, a lack of organization or logic in the nurse's communication can result in the provider losing attention, contributing to the negative effects of poor communication in healthcare.

Hesitation Due to Power Differential

Another poor communication pattern that arises is when a nurse hesitates to ensure their concerns are heard and acted upon. Unfortunately, a culture of hierarchy and power differential often exists in many institutions, affecting communication between nurses and physicians. If a nurse makes a recommendation or brings an issue to the physician's attention and their concerns are dismissed, many nurses may feel uncomfortable repeating their concerns. This hesitation further exacerbates the effects of poor communication in healthcare.

The Impact of Poor Communication

The profound effects of poor communication in healthcare between nurses and physicians can significantly impact patient safety, quality of care, patient outcomes, and both patient and staff satisfaction. It is crucial for organizations to implement interventions that promote effective communication between healthcare providers. Leaders within organizations should work to foster an organizational culture that is patient-centered and focused on safety. Additionally, promoting open communication and the use of communication tools is essential in mitigating the effects of poor communication in healthcare. Once these interventions are in place to address the breakdowns in communication between nurses and physicians, safe, patient-centered care can thrive.

About the Author

Nicole Kraut is a nurse working in Chicago, Illinois, who writes for us regularly about her experiences as an early-to-mid career nurse. She has been a RN for over five years.

Nicole graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Loyola University Chicago and recently obtained a Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University. She “was inspired to become a nurse because I wanted to work in a career field in which I could make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. I feel nursing is my vocation and am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience in order to positively influence others.”

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