Strategies for Patient Safety: Provider-Patient Communication Failures

New benchmarking data from cases closed between 2014–2024 reveals that communication failures in healthcare are rising, now appearing in 40% of malpractice cases and often resulting in high indemnity payments.

Candello, a division of CRICO, and MLMIC’s latest report, show these breakdowns most frequently occur in ambulatory settings and are often linked to how clinical risks and expectations are managed with patients. Improving these interactions is a critical safety strategy, as effective communication can significantly reduce both adverse events and financial loss.

Improving communication between patients and healthcare providers is one of the most actionable patient safety strategies available. Learn more about breakdowns across services lines, contributing factors and the cost of communication failures here:

MLMIC policyholders can contact our risk management department regarding communication between patients and healthcare providers by submitting a question here. 

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This document is for general purposes only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. This document is not comprehensive and does not cover all possible factual circumstances.

Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors for any questions related to legal, medical or professional obligations, the applicable state or federal laws or other professional questions.