This educational experiment randomized nurses to view varying versions of handoff videos. In the recorded handovers, information was transferred either as a simple statement, as spoken information that conveyed concern, as a simple statement with a written summary, or verbally with expressions of concern and a written summary. Researchers found that these factors (expressing concern or referring to a written summary) did not affect information retention, suggesting that other approaches, including standardized communication, may be more useful to improve handoffs.

Although recommended as a patient safety improvement strategy, the value of root cause analysis has been debated. This commentary suggests a three-step approach for optimizing root cause analysis results to detect factors that contribute to adverse events. The author applies philosophical principles to identify and prioritize interventions to enhance benefit from root cause analysis.

Read-backs are widely recommended in order to improve communication of critical clinical information. This simulation study found that anesthesiologists who immediately read back clinical data during simulated emergencies were eight times more likely to retain and use the information appropriately.

Teamwork in health care has been embraced as a key element of patient safety. This review analyzes the evidence on barriers to building the processes needed to augment teamwork, such as shared mental models and closed-loop communication. The authors outline a seven-step plan to address these barriers using educational, psychological, and organizational methods for improving communication.