Final answer:
More than 35 percent of serious adverse health care events can be attributed to miscommunication during patient handovers. Protocols like hemovigilance systems exemplify how tracking and reporting can improve safety and reduce errors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Approximately more than 35 percent of serious adverse events in health care can be linked to miscommunication between caregivers during the patient handover process. Handovers are critical junctures in patient care where crucial information must be accurately conveyed to ensure the continuation of appropriate and effective treatment. This miscommunication can stem from a variety of factors, particularly in high-pressure and complex situations where healthcare providers may not always correctly apply their knowledge.
Effective communication strategies and protocols, such as succinct and standardized handover procedures, can significantly reduce these errors. Additionally, systems like hemovigilance systems are in place to track and improve safety in specific areas such as blood transfusions, demonstrating that with proper tracking and reporting, adverse events can be minimized.