The role of team communication in adverse event reporting systemsas a component of improving patient safety – A literature review

Abstrakt

Introduction. Patient safety is a key dimension of healthcare quality. Ineffective communication within clinical teams and limitations in the functioning of adverse event reporting systems are among the most common causes of preventable medical errors. Nurses, as healthcare professionals in direct and continuous contact with patients, play a crucial role in identifying risks and conveying clinical information.

Aim. The aim of this study was to identify and synthesise scientific evidence on the impact of team communication and adverse event reporting systems on patient safety within healthcare systems, with particular emphasis on the role of nurses as key participants in safety processes.

Material and methods. A scoping review of the literature was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Pub-Med, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for publications from 2021 to 2025. Peer-reviewed articles in Polish and English addressing communication in healthcare teams, adverse event reporting systems and patient safety were included in the analysis.

Results. Ineffective communication is a significant risk factor for adverse events. The use of structured communication models, such as SBAR, and training programmes based on TeamSTEPPS improves the quality of clinical information transfer and team collaboration. The effectiveness of adverse event reporting systems depends on organisational culture, institutional support and the absence of punitive consequences for reporting incidents.

Conclusions. Effective communication within healthcare teams and well-functioning adverse event reporting systems are essential components of patient safety. The reviewed literature indicates that structured communication tools, such as SBAR and TeamSTEPPS, improve information transfer and interdisciplinary collaboration. At the same time, the effectiveness of reporting systems depends on organisational culture, particularly the presence of non-punitive approaches to incident reporting. Strengthening communication competencies among healthcare professionals, especially nurses, may contribute to improving patient safety and reducing preventable adverse events.