Healthcare Risk Management – March 1, 2007
March 1, 2007
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Scandal at medical institution yields lessons for risk managers
It would be bad enough to be the risk manager at a large medical institution facing multiple lawsuits and allegations of kickbacks, retaliation against a whistle-blower, and violations of various federal regulations. -
Problems at UMDNJ not likely a surprise to leaders
The problems at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in Newark probably were known to insiders long before they became public. -
Football theme helps motivate staff for quality
A medical center in Baltimore has come up with a unique way to encourage interest in patient safety and quality. It's a "football league" in which staff form teams and can gain points by taking steps to improve safety or improve patient care. -
Multimedia consent helps with pediatric patients
Informed consent can be a challenge with any patient, but it is particularly difficult with pediatric cases. One option is a multimedia presentation that can help get the necessary information across to the patient and family members in a more engaging way than the standard discussion. -
Pediatric cases benefit from better consent
The EmmiKids informed consent system is particularly needed because parents often are so upset over their child's health problem that they have a hard time absorbing information during a talk with the physician. -
Malpractice crisis called hoax, a few docs blamed
The belief that the United States is in the throes of a medical malpractice lawsuit crisis can be blamed on just a small group of negligent doctors, says a new watchdog report. -
Cheap, low-tech methods can slash infection rates
Hospitals can quickly slash the rate of common, costly and potentially lethal catheter-related bloodstream infections in their intensive care units (ICUs) ... -
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Legal Review and Commentary: Mislabeled blood sample leads to inappropriate diagnosis of HIV, $20,000 settlement, and $52,000 verdict
A woman who was eight months pregnant was informed by her obstetrician that recent bloodwork had tested positive for HIV. -
Legal Review and Commentary: Broken neck during birth causes permanent injuries
During childbirth, a baby's shoulders became stuck, which led doctors and nurses to attempt additional maneuvers to deliver the fetus. -
Legal Review and Commentary: Plan to attend medical error audio conference
Intense feelings of anxiety and humiliation, not to mention fears of being sued or professionally censured, are extremely common.