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Communication as a method of medical audit
Lancet (London, England)
|June 19, 1976
Summary
New communication methods in surgery, including problem-oriented medical records and review meetings, can effectively maintain clinical care standards. These strategies address the limitations of informal communication in modern medical practice.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Surgical Quality Improvement
Background:
- Informal communication is no longer sufficient for maintaining clinical care standards due to medical advancements.
- The evolving landscape of medicine necessitates structured communication strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate novel communication methods for quality control in a surgical department.
- To assess the effectiveness of structured communication in setting and maintaining clinical standards.
Main Methods:
- Introduction of four communication methods: problem-oriented medical records, death-and-complications meetings, unit review meetings, and a clinical information service.
- Implementation within the surgery department at Guy's Hospital over the past five years.
Main Results:
- The implemented methods aim to enhance the setting and maintenance of clinical care standards.
- These structured approaches are proposed as a means to achieve effective quality control in surgical practice.
Conclusions:
- Structured communication methods can overcome the ineffectiveness of informal communication in modern medicine.
- The evaluated methods show potential for achieving quality control in surgical departments.