The best communication in high-stakes environments isn’t complicated. Quite the opposite – it’s structured, clear, and consistent. Small, deliberate shifts in how we transfer information can dramatically improve patient safety, team efficiency, and workplace culture. In this episode, we explore three simple but transformative communication habits that reduce errors and build trust among teams. Finally, we share practical tools you can use today to tighten your communication and improve safety without adding extra workload.
Mentioned in this episode
UnBurnable – Our Cohort-Based Burnout Prevention and Cure Course. We took the highest yield tools from our 1:1 coaching and created a community-based course with docs who get it and get you.
We Discuss:
The Three-Way Repeat-Back: “That’s Correct”
Closed-loop communication isn’t new, but very few of us do it consistently. The most effective version? A three-way repeat-back:
- Sender: Gives the information.
- Receiver: Repeats it back in full.
- Sender: Confirms with “That’s correct.” f you get nothing else out of this whole podcast but that, using the phrase ‘That’s correct’, you will have already improved your communication.
This feels scripted at first, but the payoff is huge. It prevents sloppy assumptions, especially with colleagues you interact with frequently. Try it 10 times in your next shift. You’ll be surprised how much cleaner your handoffs feel.
Phonetic Clarifications: Stop the “Norman” Problem
How many errors happen just because someone misheard a name or number?
My name is often spelled incorrectly. People say Norman, or Mormon, or Oranmond so I spell it phonetically: Orman, Oscar Romeo Mike Alpha November.”
You don’t need to memorize the military phonetic alphabet. Make up easy substitutes if you forget: “Oscar Robin, Mike airplane, nickel.” The point is clarity, not perfection.
Use it for patient names, medications, or even specialties:
“That’s urology, starting with a U as in uniform.”
When making a consultant call, ask before giving details:
“Let me know when you’re ready for all the info.”
Numbers: Say the Digits
Medication errors often come down to a single misheard number. Stop it before it starts:
- Say the number, then the digits.
“Please give 15 milligrams of Drug X. That’s 15—1-5—milligrams.” - Have them repeat it back:
“Give 15, 1-5 milligrams of Drug X.” - Seal it with:
“That’s correct.”
Whiteboards: The Cheapest Safety Tool in the Room
A dry-erase board in the resuscitation room can eliminate confusion.
When I used it pre-intubation, I would:
- Write only induction and post-intubation meds (with doses).
- Say the plan out loud while writing to invite questions.
- Keep it clean, no vent settings or clutter.
It serves as a visual anchor for the team. No guessing, no “Wait, what did you say earlier?” moments.
Checklists: Mastering the Basics
One emergency department where I worked had two huge posters behind the resus stretcher: Primary Assessment and Secondary Assessment. Even though everyone in the room was familiar with the information, the team walked through it aloud with every patient: “A, B, C, D…”
As my karate teacher used to say:
“Mastery comes from mastering the basics.”
In the chaos of trauma resuscitation, these reminders catch what your stressed brain might miss.
Cheaper Than Dirt, More Precious Than Gold
None of these tools require expensive technology. They’re simple habits, many free, that pay off in fewer errors and stronger teams.
“Cheaper than dirt, but more precious than gold.”
What simple communication habits have you adopted that make your team safer? Drop them in the comments, we’re always looking for the next great idea.
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