Lack of communication in ER results in post-discharge complications

The New York Times reports on September 16, 2008 that most ("a vast majority") of emergency room patients are discharged without understanding the treatment they received or how to care for themselves once they get home. As borne out by earlier studies, and in particular, by the research of Dr. Eric Coleman who is the director of the Care Transitions program at the University of Colorado, the lack of communication when patients are discharged from one care setting to another can lead to medication errors and serious complications that can send them right back to the hospital.

You can read the entire New York Times article here. E.R. Patients Often Left Confused After Visits

For more information see Dr. Coleman's website caretransitions.org. Be sure to look at the intervention section and also to access a Caregiver's Tool kit for caregivers and patients. This toolkit will help you safety negotiate not only safe care in the emergency department, but also to handle successfully transitions between hospital and home or hospital and another care facility such as a rehab center.