Optimizing Perioperative Communication to Minimize Avoidable Complications

February 5, 2026

Course description

Breakdowns in communication are a leading contributor to patient safety events and preventable perioperative complications, particularly during transitions of care. In this webinar, Dr. Edie Shen will focus on practical, evidence-based approaches to enhance collaboration among multidisciplinary care teams and actively engage patients in surgical decision making.

Participants will explore best practices in collaborative surgical care, with an emphasis on clear role delineation, timely information exchange, and coordinated planning across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. The session will also highlight effective use of decision aids and shared decision-making techniques to align surgical plans with patient values, preferences and clinical goals.

Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to identify common communication breakdowns, implement structured communication tools, and apply proactive strategies that optimize perioperative communication – ultimately helping to prevent complications, enhance patient safety and improve overall quality of care.

Learning objectives

At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants will be able to:

  • Identify best practices in collaborative care models for surgical patients
  • Summarize how to utilize validated patient decision aids and shared decision making for planned surgery
  • Identify strategies to help optimize perioperative communication and avoid preventable complications

Target audience

Physician and clinician policyholders

Disclosure

The planners, faculty, and others in control of content have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

CME information

ISMS logo This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Illinois State Medical Society and ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company. The Illinois State Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Illinois State Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Illinois Nurse Practice Act rules deem CME credit provided by approved sponsors as acceptable to fulfill nursing continuing education requirements for licensure. Nurses may claim one contact hour per unit of CME in the state of Illinois.

Additional information

Estimated time for completion: 
1 hour
Disclaimer: 

The recommendations contained in this resource are not intended to define conduct that is appropriate in every case, should not be considered as establishing any standard of care, and do not constitute legal advice. Physicians, clinicians and healthcare providers should take care to ensure that all care rendered reflects the best clinical judgment and complies with the laws and regulations of the state or location at which the care was provided.

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

    This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Illinois State Medical Society and ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company. The Illinois State Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

    The Illinois State Medical Society designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 1.00 Discount Credit
  • 1.00 Participation Credit
Course opens: 
01/01/2026
Course expires: 
12/31/2028
Event starts: 
02/05/2026 - 12:00pm
Event ends: 
02/05/2026 - 1:00pm
Rating: 
0

Edie P. Shen, MD

Edie P. Shen, MDEdie P. Shen, MD, is a Clinical Professor in Internal Medicine at the University of Washington. Dr. Shen earned her medical degree at Northwestern University and completed her residency training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She serves as the Director of Inpatient Perioperative Services for Hospital Medicine at Harborview Medical Center (HMC) in Seattle. She is the medical director for the Planned Surgery Unit and oversees surgical co-management service lines at HMC. Dr. Shen specializes in perioperative quality improvement, preoperative medical optimization for elective surgery and is partnered with Anesthesiology in leading a pre-anesthesia inpatient preoperative evaluation consult service. Dr. Shen has completed a fellowship in perioperative medicine from the Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) and is a nationally recognized speaker in the field of perioperative care.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

    This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Illinois State Medical Society and ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company. The Illinois State Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

    The Illinois State Medical Society designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 1.00 Discount Credit
  • 1.00 Participation Credit
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