Published 2024-09-10
Keywords
- Physician–nurse communication; Patient safety; Interprofessional teamwork; HER; SBAR; Communication barriers.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Effective communication between physicians and nurses is a fundamental determinant of patient safety, care coordination, and clinical decision-making. Despite advances in digital health technologies—such as electronic health records, telemedicine, mobile applications, and AI-driven decision-support systems—communication breakdowns remain a leading cause of medical error. This literature-based analysis synthesizes the historical evolution of physician–nurse communication, the theoretical frameworks governing interprofessional interaction, and the technological systems that facilitate or hinder information flow. The review identifies persistent human, organizational, and technological barriers, including hierarchical culture, inadequate training, system fragmentation, workload pressures, and ethical concerns related to data sharing. Evidence shows that structured communication models, simulation-based training, remote mentorship, standardized documentation, and AI-supported analytics significantly improve clarity, collaboration, and patient outcomes. Future directions emphasize the integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, and predictive analytics with human-centered competencies such as emotional intelligence, empathy, and ethical judgment. Collective insights from this review highlight that sustainable improvement requires an integrated strategy combining digital innovation, continuous professional development, supportive leadership, and a culture that values shared accountability and psychological safety.