In today’s hospital environment, patient care is rarely managed by a single physician. Hospitalists, specialists, consultants, residents, nurses, and ancillary staff all play a role in managing complex inpatient cases. While this collaborative model improves access and efficiency, it also increases the risk of communication breakdowns.
Handoff errors malpractice claims are emerging as a significant driver of inpatient litigation. Often, the root cause is not a technical mistake in treatment — but a failure in communication during care transitions.