ENHANCING INTERDISCIPLINARY COMMUNICATION IN EMERGENCY CARE: KEY STRATEGIES AND IMPACTS

REGISTRO DOI: 10.69849/revistaft/ma10202505181744

Nivia Mauro de Oliveira

Abstract

Interdisciplinary communication is a critical factor in ensuring effective patient care, especially in emergency departments where quick decision-making is vital. Research by Sprogis et al. (2023), Alshogaih et al. (2024), and Gatare et al. (2024) underscores the importance of clear and consistent communication among healthcare professionals in reducing errors and enhancing collaboration. Effective communication methods, such as the SBAR model, have been proven to reduce information transfer errors, increase safety, and improve overall patient outcomes. The studies reveal that communication failures are directly linked to delays in treatment, misdiagnoses, and medication errors, all of which negatively impact patient safety. Structured communication practices and regular briefings help address these issues by improving coordination among team members and promoting shared understanding. The implementation of standardized communication protocols, such as SBAR, enhances the efficiency of emergency care and ensures that important patient information is conveyed effectively. Furthermore, Alsawidan et al. (2024) highlight the importance of inter-organizational cooperation in crisis management, emphasizing the need for communication systems that integrate various sectors, including governmental, non-governmental, and private organizations. The findings of these studies indicate that improving communication infrastructure and fostering a culture of collaboration can significantly enhance emergency care, making it more responsive, efficient, and patient-centered.

Keywords: Interdisciplinary Communication, Emergency Care, SBAR Method, Healthcare Collaboration, Patient Safety.

Interdisciplinary communication plays a crucial role in the effective functioning of emergency departments, where rapid and precise decision-making is vital to preserving life. In emergency situations, healthcare professionals from various fields, including doctors, nurses, technicians, physical therapists, and psychologists, must collaborate closely. Clear and swift communication is necessary to ensure appropriate care for patients, especially those in critical conditions.

Figure 1: Communication in the Emergency Department.

Source: Manojlovich et al. (2024).

A case study conducted in a large emergency department demonstrated that communication failures between teams were directly linked to increased waiting times for essential procedures, unnecessary duplication of tests, and, in more serious instances, treatment errors. The findings revealed that the lack of standardized communication protocols and the absence of brief team meetings were significant factors hindering the efficiency of patient care.

To address these issues, the study suggested the adoption of structured communication practices such as the SBAR method (Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation). Implementing SBAR reduced errors in information transfer, enhanced coordination among departments, and improved patient safety. Additionally, the creation of brief communication opportunities, such as daily team meetings and debriefings, fostered teamwork and reduced stress among healthcare professionals.

This case study highlights the undeniable importance of effective interdisciplinary communication, which is crucial for more accurate decision-making, optimized resource use, and improved patient care and satisfaction. Investing in communication training and promoting an organizational culture that encourages ongoing collaboration are essential steps in transforming emergency departments into safer and more efficient environments.

The research conducted by Sprogis et al. (2023) explored healthcare professionals’ perceptions of and engagement with interdisciplinary communication pathways for escalating care in the pre-medical emergency team (pre-MET) phase of rapid response systems. By utilizing a mixed-methods approach with observations and interviews, the study examined practices at a hospital serving orthopedic and general medicine patients. The findings showed that escalation practices occurred in only 13 of the 27 pre-MET events, with alphanumeric pagers (61.5%) and in-person conversations (30.8%) being the primary communication methods. Healthcare providers reported challenges in escalating care and overcoming information gaps, revealing that existing communication methods were inadequate for supporting effective interdisciplinary communication and clinical decision-making. The study concluded that escalation pathways defined by policies were inconsistently used, and the absence of a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities negatively impacted the timely management of patient deterioration. This emphasized the need for improvements in communication systems and team collaboration.

Similarly, Alshogaih et al. (2024) emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork in prehospital emergency care, a critical stage for the stabilization and transport of patients in life-threatening conditions. The research examined the impact of collaboration between paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), nurses, physicians, and other professionals on patient outcomes, particularly in high-severity cases. The study also highlighted the challenges faced in creating effective teams in the prehospital environment, such as communication difficulties, lack of proper training, and other practical concerns. By drawing on case studies and research on quality practices, the authors discussed how multimodal communication influences factors like mortality risk and treatment outcomes. They recommended enhancing training, standardizing protocols, and expanding the use of technology to improve collaborative practices in prehospital emergency care.

In 2019, Herrmann et al. investigated the interaction between Emergency Medicine (EM) and Hospital Medicine (HM) professionals during patient transitions from the emergency department (ED) to the inpatient unit. Their research noted the rarity of collaboration between these two specialties and identified communication during handoffs as a key area needing improvement. The study proposed the implementation of an interdisciplinary conference to allow providers to establish shared mental models, enhancing communication and patient safety. The research also assessed the impact of this initiative on professionals’ attitudes and behaviors toward communication and teamwork, focusing on improving collaboration outside the high-pressure environments of intensive care.

Eisenberg et al. (2005) conducted a qualitative study on how emergency medicine, a highly communicative field, is prone to failures due to fragile communication processes. Over the course of a year, an interdisciplinary team studied two academic emergency departments and identified four critical processes: triage, testing and evaluation, handoffs, and patient admission. The study revealed that narrative rationality (the patient’s story) was often overlooked in favor of technical rationality (actionable tasks). It proposed changes in procedures to encourage healthcare providers to reconsider their decisions or seek additional contextual information. Increasing awareness of the bias toward technical over narrative rationality and recognizing uncertainty in emergency medicine communication were found to be crucial steps toward preventing errors and ensuring patient safety.

Alsawidan et al. (2024) examined the necessity of coordination and cooperation between governmental and non-governmental organizations, private businesses, and the general population, particularly during crises. Their research focused on integrated approaches to crisis management, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear lines of communication and interdependency. The study analyzed success and failure strategies from recent global crises and underscored the need for multilateral and interdisciplinary collaboration. By drawing on case studies and existing literature, the authors provided valuable lessons for improving preparedness, response, and recovery in future crises.

Finally, Gatare et al. (2024) investigated the impact of communication education on the competencies of inter-professional collaboration in emergency care, specifically focusing on the SBAR model (Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation). Conducted in the emergency department of CHUK, the study used a self-administered questionnaire before, during, and after the training. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in nurses’ perception of effective communication and collaboration, as well as a reduction in unexpected deaths and an increase in unplanned intensive care admissions. The study concluded that SBAR communication training for emergency nurses significantly enhances their communication skills, which can lead to better patient outcomes. The authors recommended expanding this research to a larger population to assess the impact of SBAR on patient survival and recovery.

Through these various studies, the central theme of improving communication and collaboration across healthcare teams in critical settings is consistently highlighted as a key factor in enhancing patient care and safety.

In conclusion, effective interdisciplinary communication is crucial for optimizing patient care in emergency departments. Studies conducted by various researchers, such as Sprogis et al. (2023), Alshogaih et al. (2024), and Gatare et al. (2024), highlight that clear, consistent, and timely communication among healthcare professionals can significantly reduce medical errors, improve patient safety, and enhance collaboration among team members. The integration of structured communication methods, such as SBAR, and the establishment of standardized protocols, have been shown to streamline processes and address communication gaps in high-pressure environments.

Moreover, the importance of collaboration extends beyond the walls of the emergency department, as evidenced by Alsawidan et al. (2024), who emphasized the need for multilateral and interdisciplinary cooperation during global crises. When communication is optimized across different sectors, the entire healthcare system becomes more resilient, improving both crisis response and long-term patient care outcomes. It is clear that communication infrastructure, whether through formal training or technology, plays a pivotal role in the success of emergency care systems.

Ultimately, the evidence points to the need for continuous efforts to improve interdisciplinary communication through training, policy implementation, and the promotion of an organizational culture that values collaboration. By addressing the communication challenges in emergency care settings, healthcare professionals can ensure timely, effective, and safe interventions for patients. With further research and application of best practices, the healthcare system can continue to evolve toward a more efficient, patient-centered approach to care in critical situations.

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