SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Inpatient Understanding of Care: Care Team Roles and Mixed Messages

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This study examined how well hospitalized general medicine patients understand who is involved in their care and whether they receive conflicting information (“mixed messages”). Surveys were given in person or by phone to 173 patients at two urban hospitals beginning in February 2020.<br /><br />Key findings:<br />- 59% of patients were not aware of who their main doctor was.<br />- 22% reported receiving mixed messages at least sometimes.<br />- When mixed messages occurred, they were most often between the primary team doctors and consulting doctors.<br />- Patients with more unit transfers were more likely to know their main doctor.<br />- Patients with more notes per day were less likely to report mixed messages.<br />- Patients age 65 and older, and those with commercial insurance, were more likely to perceive mixed messages.<br /><br />The study suggests that communication problems are common during hospitalization and may be influenced by how many providers are involved, care transitions, and the amount of documentation. The authors note that the small sample size and the COVID-19 hospital environment may have affected results.<br /><br />Overall, the findings highlight the importance of helping patients identify their care team and ensuring that clinicians give consistent information. Future work should test interventions to improve patient understanding and reduce confusion during hospital stays.

Asset Subtitle

Jeffrey L. Schnipper

Meta Tag

Author List C to, Ebrahim Barkoudah, Elizabeth A. Bambury, Erin Yao-Cohen, Hassan Khalil, James D. Harrison, Jeffrey L. Schnipper, Jenica Cimino, Johsias Maru, Mariam Atkinson, Mohammed Wazir, Rachel Weiss, Rosa Mora, Sampath Mani

Category Research

Concept Hospitalized Patients

Concept Doctor

Concept Mixed Messages

Concept Care Team

Concept Patient Awareness

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Brigham and Women's Hospital

Presenting Author Jeffrey L. Schnipper

Track Communication

Keywords

hospitalized patients

general medicine

care team awareness

mixed messages

patient communication

primary doctor

consulting doctors

care transitions

unit transfers

documentation notes

Hospitalized Patients

Doctor

Mixed Messages

Care Team

Patient Awareness