Closing the loop with the patient
1,348 views · Published 3 February 2015 · 2:17 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: CarloOllerMD · 2015 · People & Blogs
Lately we have had a ‘grouping’ of complaints related to communication about the discharge / admission. Bottom line a nurse should NOT be the one telling the patient that they are ready for admission or discharge. THAT conversation should have already happened but he medical provider, discussed results, and treatment plan. It happens to us all when we are rushing through our patients and we ‘forget’ to close the loop. However, this is THE most important part of the ER visit. It gives you a chance to explain results, answer questions, and educate the patient about important follow up instructions. Furthermore, it is probably the MOST important part of the patient-physician interaction in order to mitigate risk in case we miss something. Just think how the patient will react to the news that we missed something on the x-ray if we never even discussed the results with the patient before they were discharged, vs. a doctor who sat down and discussed all results with the patient. Even if we missed a finding, they are more likely to ‘forgive’ us because we CARED enough to sit down and have a proper discharge conversation with the patient and the family. So…bottom line. Patients SHOULD NOT find out they are being admitted by the tech who comes to transport them to the floor. And discharged patients should not be finding out their results from the RN when they come in to sign the discharge papers.
