Improving Clinical Communication and Collaboration Through Technology:: A Benefits Analysis for Nurse Leaders

Abstract

Clinical communication platforms have become such disparate systems that some health care organizations experience confusion, wasted time, and clinician dissatisfaction, resulting in quality and safety issues for nurse leaders. Yet, health care communication technologies are evolving rapidly. This article evaluates the evidence around improving inpatient clinical communication through an in-depth literature search and industry review of best practices; providing essential information about the benefits of unifying clinical communication across interprofessional teams. For an ongoing Kaiser Permanente nursing performance improvement project, 130 articles, industry papers and expert opinions were reviewed, and recommendations are presented for nurse leaders seeking to improve clinical communication and collaboration and to meet the Quadruple Aim in their organizations. Clinical communication platforms have become such disparate systems that some health care organizations experience confusion, wasted time, and clinician dissatisfaction, resulting in quality and safety issues for nurse leaders. Yet, health care communication technologies are evolving rapidly. This article evaluates the evidence around improving inpatient clinical communication through an in-depth literature search and industry review of best practices; providing essential information about the benefits of unifying clinical communication across interprofessional teams. For an ongoing Kaiser Permanente nursing performance improvement project, 130 articles, industry papers and expert opinions were reviewed, and recommendations are presented for nurse leaders seeking to improve clinical communication and collaboration and to meet the Quadruple Aim in their organizations. Michelle Machon, RN, MSN, CPHIMSS, is director of clinical education, practice, and informatics at Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center in Roseville, California. She can be reached at [email protected] Mary Lynne Knighten, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, is adjunct faculty at School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, in San Francisco, California. Janet Sohal, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, is director of clinical education, practice, and informatics at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center in Sacramento, California.