Balance model and patient safety.

Improving patient safety has been largely focused in recent years. Medical-related errors have been pointed as the leading cause of death and injury in the United States. One of the causes of medical error is impaired information transfer and communication. The purpose of this study is to use balance theory to better understand how information is transferred between patients and health care providers and the interactions among balance theory elements at the ambulatory surgery settings. Results can be used to improve information transfer and communication process.