Navigating chaos: A comprehensive review of communication dynamics in Indian emergency departments
Prasad Achari, Kushal Narula, Vishal KapoorABSTRACT
Background:
The Emergency Department (ED) in India is a chaotic and high-pressure environment characterized by extreme patient volumes and limited resources. Communication failures are a leading cause of medical errors and workplace violence in these settings.
Objective:
The objective of the study was to analyze the current barriers to effective clinical communication in Indian EDs and highlights the importance of structured communication in improving quality of care.
Methods:
A systematic narrative review was conducted. Literature was sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Index Medicus for the South-East Asia Region, focusing on studies published between 2015 and 2026.
Results:
The review highlighted that linguistic diversity, hierarchical culture, and the absence of standardized handover protocols are primary drivers of communication breakdown. Technology, specifically unencrypted messaging apps, serves as a double-edged sword, increasing speed but compromising legal and data security. Structured interventions and communication were found to significantly reduce conflict.
Conclusion:
Transitioning from informal to structured communication is a clinical necessity. Integrating communication training into the curriculum is essential for reducing sentinel events and improving the safety of healthcare providers.