Communication is a key factor in preventing patient safety incidents and also in learning from them afterwards. Communication includes the mechanics of communication as well as actually talking to one another.
It is one of the key themes of the Seven Steps to Patient Safety, which encourages healthcare organisations to involve and communicate with patients and the public, as well as learning and sharing safety lessons.
The National Reporting and Learning Service has developed a range of resources to help healthcare professionals communicate more effectively, both between themselves and with patients and their families.
