In modern healthcare, communication is often shared across teams. This can work well — but only when communication standards are high and consistent.
When key discussions about risk, expectations, or limitations are delegated without proper training or alignment, patients may receive incomplete or overly optimistic explanations. This increases the risk of dissatisfaction later, even when care itself is good¹.
Studies of patient complaints show that many issues arise not from technical error, but from breakdowns in communication and expectation-setting².
Delegation is not the problem. Poor delegation is.
Successful systems ensure that:
- Team members are well trained
- Messages are consistent
- Key expectations are reinforced, not softened
- Clinicians remain accountable for how information is conveyed
Clear systems protect patients — and the clinicians who care for them.
References
- Vincent C, Amalberti R. Safer healthcare: strategies for the real world. Springer; 2016.
- Levinson W, Roter DL, Mullooly JP, et al. Physician–patient communication and malpractice claims. JAMA. 1997;277(7):553–559.
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