Team communication mini‑template
Clear, concise team communication prevents delays, reduces errors, and keeps patient care moving smoothly. This mini‑template gives clinicians a simple, repeatable structure they can use for handoffs, care coordination, and interdisciplinary updates — especially on busy days.
Why this mattersreduces unnecessary back‑and‑forth
prevents missed steps or duplicated work
improves patient flow
supports safer, more coordinated care
reduces cognitive load for the entire team
Most clinicians were never taught how to structure team communication — this template fills that gap.
Micro-skills to elevate your templates-
Teams scan messages — they don’t read them.
A headline reduces confusion and speeds up action.
EXAMPLE: “Patient with worsening asthma symptoms needs same‑day follow‑up.” -
Start with the task, not the story
EXAMPLE: “Please schedule a follow‑up within 48 hours” instead of “The patient mentioned they might need a follow‑up…”
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Teams often guess urgency — which leads to delays.
Use clear labels: low / moderate / high.
EXAMPLE: Urgency: HIGH — needs same‑day triage.”
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Multiple requests in one message get missed.
If you need more than one thing, send separate asks.
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This reduces dropped tasks.
Example:
“Let me know once this is scheduled so I can update the plan.”
Full examplePatient: Jordan M.
Urgency: HIGH
Concern: Worsening shortness of breath over the past 48 hours.
What’s been done: Reviewed symptoms via portal; no red flags but needs closer follow‑up.
What’s needed next: Please schedule a same‑day visit or triage call.
Confirmation cue: Please confirm once scheduled so I can update the care plan.
Next stepsExplore additional Quick Wins to support efficient communication, visit flow, and documentation.