BLUF

BLUF communication may also be used in healthcare.

Data shows that poor communication comprises 30 percent of all medical malpractice claims filed from 2009 to 2013. Thirty-seven percent of these claims were serious adverse events, such as debilitating conditions (e.g., extended hospital stay, loss of arms or limbs, psychological trauma), and death. These errors result from miscommunications among the members of the medical team, such as when coordinating the treatment plan for the patient. Moreover, these may lead to an increase in negative patient outcomes, and customer dissatisfaction. Thus, there is a need to practice effective communication to significantly avert incidences of medical errors and malpractice, and therefore contribute to best health outcomes.

One practice that is common to many in the healthcare setting is the so-called "hand-off" procedure. During "hand-offs" or "handovers" (i.e., change of shift report), critical information about patient care is transferred between the outgoing and the incoming staff. Usually, this process takes place in a limited time. Thus, the potential for communication gaps is very likely. One of the strategies to eliminate these gaps is the use of the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) approach to communication. The BLUF approach is used to customize the information to be transferred as well as the style of "handoff" to match the specific needs of patients. Additionally, BLUF communication may also be used during "code blue" (a medical emergency such as cardiac or respiratory arrest). Welu, specified that BLUF fosters clarity of communication among members of a group during crisis or emergency situations. Furthermore, the BLUF approach may also be used during referrals of the condition of the patients to another healthcare worker or health service providers, as in the case of nurses to nurses, nurses to physicians, or junior physicians, to attending physicians. When documenting the treatment plan and the actual care interventions that were done to the patients, the BLUF approach may also be useful.

Providing information about the patient's condition together with the appropriate plans that are succinct and straight-to-the-point is vital to ensure that patients will experience the best quality of healthcare possible, and one that will result to the best medical outcome for them. Thus, the activities that involve the need for effective communication that were given in the above examples are just among the many situations in the healthcare setting where BLUF communication is highly encouraged.