How miscommunication impacts patient health

We place a lot of trust in our doctors. We share our fears and most personal details with them, expecting clear guidance and effective treatment in return. However, what happens when your doctor’s instructions are confusing or lost in translation? 

Unfortunately, miscommunications happen far too often in healthcare. And patients are usually the ones who pay the price.

How does miscommunication happen?

Communication problems happen for many reasons. Doctors might use medical jargon that confuses patients. Many doctors see too many patients each day, spending just minutes with each person. This rush leaves little time for questions or explanations.

Some doctors fail to check patient records before making decisions. Others don’t listen when patients describe symptoms or concerns. Language barriers create additional problems when translators aren’t available or used properly.

Electronic medical records, while helpful, can also create problems when doctors spend more time typing than talking to you.

Real consequences of missed messages

Miscommunications in healthcare settings can have painful consequences for patients. They may result in:

• Misdiagnosis: Incorrect understanding of symptoms may lead to wrong diagnoses.
• Incorrect treatment: Patients may receive inappropriate or harmful treatments.
• Delayed care: Doctors might overlook important symptoms, delaying critical treatment.
• Increased stress: Patients and families often experience stress and anxiety due to unclear communication.

These issues can severely impact a patient’s health and well-being.

Protecting yourself during medical visits

Effective communication is a team effort, and just as physicians must take steps to ensure clear communication, you can take steps to protect yourself:

• Bring a written list of your symptoms, concerns and questions
• Ask for clarification when you don’t understand something
• Bring someone with you to appointments as a second set of ears
• Request an interpreter if English isn’t your first language
• Review your medications with your doctor at each visit
• Ask for written instructions for treatments or medications

These actions might prevent communication breakdowns. Unfortunately, they can only do so much to prevent errors caused by medical negligence. 

When doctors or medical staff fail to provide proper care, patients and their families have rights. Holding negligent parties accountable through legal action can provide compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering resulting from a medical mistake or negligence. It can also prevent the same thing from happening to others.