Reducing the risk of a malpractice claim

Doctors in all specialties face the risk of a malpractice claim. But physicians and healthcare facilities can take measures that can provide a medical malpractice defense before an incident occurs.

Malpractice

A medical practitioner commits malpractice by not providing the expected standard quality of care which causes harm or injury to a patient. Malpractice is not limited to high-stress situations, such as an emergency room, but can also occur in routine practice settings.

In fact, emergency room cases constitute only a fraction of malpractice cases in this country.

Poor communication

Poor communication with patients is one of the greatest factors leading to malpractice claims. Poor communication can lead to misdiagnosis, wrong treatment and medication dosage errors.

Hospitals should invest in communication for medical professionals and use technology to help with communication like electronic health records and secure messaging platforms. Providers need to include patients in the decision-making for their care and encourage them to ask questions and express concerns about their treatment.

Training

Doctors undergo intense training. But insufficient or outdated knowledge can cause diagnosis and treatment errors.

Health care facilities should prioritize professional development and encourage participation in workshops, conferences, and seminars on the latest medical advances. Medical schools and training programs should have ongoing evaluations of their curricula and update them when necessary.

Healthcare systems

Systems may be complex bureaucracies and lead to medical errors. Facilities must have sufficient protocols, effective policies, and efficient management.

Facilities need to have diagnostic tests to uncover the causes of system issues, establish clear accountability and encourage ongoing improvement.

Staffing

Overworked staff at healthcare facilities can lead to burnout and fatigue, increase the risk of treatment errors. Healthcare facilities need to engage in initiative-taking recruitment and retention to ensure adequate staffing.

This usually includes competitive compensation, encouraging a supportive workplace environment and providing for career growth and development. Telemedicine, remote consultations, and other flexible staffing should be utilized.

Technology

Advanced medical technology has provided incalculable benefits. But faulty devices or improper usage can harm patients.

Regular maintenance and proper training are essential. There should be strict protocols for maintenance and calibration to ensure that devices are operating properly and safely.

Frequent refresher training is important. Health care facilities also must work with device manufacturers to deal with potential safety problems and evaluate equipment performance.