Department of Medicine Publications
Interprofessional Communication and Medical Error: A Reframing of Research Questions and Approaches
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2008
Journal
Academic Medicine
Volume
83
Issue
10 Suppl
First Page
76
Last Page
81
URL with Digital Object Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0b013e318183e67b
Abstract
Progress toward understanding the links between interprofessional communication and issues of medical error has been slow. Recent research proposes that this delay may result from overlooking the complexities involved in interprofessional care. Medical education initiatives in this domain tend to simplify the complexities of team membership fluidity, rotation, and use of communication tools. A new theoretically informed research approach is required to take into account these complexities. To generate such an approach, we review two theories from the social sciences: Activity Theory and Knotworking. Using these perspectives, we propose that research into interprofessional communication and medical error can develop better understandings of (1) how and why medical errors are generated and (2) how and why gaps in team defenses occur. Such complexities will have to be investigated if students and practicing clinicians are to be adequately prepared to work safely in interprofessional teams.
Notes
Dr. Lorelei Lingard is currently a faculty member at The University of Western Ontario.