Hospital Communication Protocols

Hospital communications protocols encompass a wide array of procedures for communicating with patients and staff; communicating with emergency medical staff for incoming patients and explaining hospital policies for the news media. Typically, the hospital's chief executive works closely with the hospital communications staff to plan, implement and revise communications protocols based on the changing needs of the hospital.

Rationale for Hospital Communications Protocols

• By implementing standard hospital communications many hospitals create a better patient experience.

  Enhance the Patient Experience With Proper Communications

  Hospital communications protocols provide a uniform framework for a hospital's medical and administrative staff to follow, often leading to a more positive patient experience. Without proper communication among physicians, caregivers, administrators and patient, delays in care may occur, extended treatment times may accrue and patients may experience unnecessary stress and anguish.

How to Plan and Implement Protocols

• Ambulance drivers who transport patients to hospitals are guided by a communications protocol established by the hospital providing early notification of incoming patients

  Update Communications Protocols Frequently

  Contemporary hospital staffs often maintain a legacy of hospital communications protocols that require updating on a timely basis. For example, communications protocols may be re-examined annually to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest legislation, hospital policies and technologies. Hospitals should plan and implement a disaster communications plan that considers the availability of staff, technologies and the flow of information to caregivers, patients and the public.

Laws Regulating Hospital Communications

• Meet News Media Requests and Comply With HIPAA

  The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 provides guidelines on the release and flow of information, particularly to family members and the news media. Hospital communications protocols consider this legislation and hold patient confidentiality in the highest regard. In the event of news media, reporters and editors initiate contact with the public relations departments who in turn manage the media request. Hospital communications protocols provide specific guidance regarding television and cameras on the hospital premises.