Improving Patient Safety Through Enhanced Communication Between Emergency Department Clinicians and Medical Laboratory Staff

Vol. 20, No. 10 October 2013 JCOM 455 ABSTRACT Objective: To improve patient safety through identification, communication, and documentation of perceived contaminated specimen results. Methods: Representatives from the departments of emergency medicine, pathology and laboratory medicine, and performance improvement met to conduct a systematic review of a critical event and review associated policies and procedures. A new communication protocol was initiated to improve processes and patient safety. Results: Between November 2011 and March 2013, there was a 3% to 4% increase in the number of patient sample results proven to be not contaminated and truly reflecting the patient's condition compared with the period before implementation of the protocol. 96% to 97% of suspected inaccurate results from sample contamination were shown to be true indicators of sampling error. Anecdotal clinician evaluation of the new communication protocol revealed high satisfaction in the joint decision-making with medical laboratory scientists. Conclusion: The project has resulted in improved communication with clinicians, enhanced documentation of suspected contaminated results, increased patient safety, and increased interdepartmental understanding and cooperation.