What is a common risk associated with patient transfer between departments?

Miscommunication leading to incomplete information transfer is a well-documented risk associated with patient transfers between departments. This situation often arises because multiple healthcare providers may be involved in the patient's care, and important information may not be communicated effectively during the handoff. This miscommunication can lead to gaps in patient knowledge, such as incomplete understanding of the patient's current condition, treatment plans, or specific needs. Consequently, it can affect the continuity of care, either resulting in inappropriate treatments or failure to address urgent patient needs.

While increased medication errors, higher costs for the transferring hospital, and delays in patient care are certainly important considerations in the context of patient transfers, the direct implication of miscommunication specifically highlights the critical need for accurate and complete information transfer to ensure patient safety and treatment effectiveness.