CCP - How an Effective Clinical Meeting Can Improve Patient Outcomes

Communication of patient health status, as well as analysis of clinical information is imperative to managing patient care. The process of communication of patient information between inter professional team members is frequently fragmented and incomplete. Comprehensive care of the patient requires review and analysis of clinical data to ensure timely and appropriate treatment. Identification of subtle changes in a patient’s condition leads to earlier intervention and prevention of avoidable hospitalization. Processes that do not support analysis and communication of patient information lead to poor patient outcomes.

Center processes should be in place to support consistent communication of patient information, including high risk concerns, changes in condition, rehabilitation progress, as well as the plan of care. In addition to communication, the process should also include review and analyzing patient information to ensure that needs are met, and changes of condition are identified early. Conducting a structured clinical meeting on a daily schedule is the basis of a firm foundation for analysis and communication of patient information, therefore leading to improved patient outcomes.