Table 1.

Classification of communication incidents.

Level of harm: No documented harm, temporary harm, more than temporary harm.

Method of communication: Verbal, written, verbal/written combined, bleeps and telephone, other electronic methods, other methods (up to two methods allowed).

Stage in the critical care pathway: Transfer into critical care from theatre, wards, emergency departments, other hospitals and other or non-defined locations. During the critical care stay. Transfer from critical care.

Staff group/service user involved: Between medical staff, between nursing staff, between medical and nursing staff, within the clinical team, with other staff groups (for example, radiologists, porters, etc.)

Issue being communicated/problem: Medications, bed management, equipment, infection control, clinical condition of patient, other, staff/relative, requesting and test results, radiology, blood products, contacting other teams, technical failure of communication system, management plan, surgical issues and drains, notes and records, no handover, nutrition and swallow assessment, pressure sore, consultant attribution, past medical history, staffing issues, about transfer journey, staff/patient, unprofessional behavior, estates and facilities management, identification of the patient, procedures, death certification, other team not informed, spinal precautions, theatre preparation, observations, contacting ICU doctors.