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The problem of longstanding violence against healthcare personnel has been overshadowed by the pandemic, but it is receiving more attention from OSHA. A federal administrative law judge has determined that a Bradenton, FL, behavioral healthcare center and its management company exposed workers to more than 50 attacks in a 2.5-year period, OSHA announced.
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Preliminary results from an ongoing multisite case-control study of healthcare personnel in 25 states indicate the two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are 94% effective in real-world conditions involving work and the community, the CDC reported. The study is underway at 33 sites, with 75% of enrolled healthcare workers employed at acute care hospitals.
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The CDC’s recommendation the vaccinated public can shed their masks and not socially distance in many situations was condemned by some observers who said it will cause confusion, noncompliance, and a possible spike in cases. In wanting to convey a message of progress and optimism while rewarding and encouraging vaccination, the CDC seemed to some critics to be suggesting the pandemic was over, with images of people throwing masks in the air like new graduates circulating on social media.
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If a stroke patient alleges failure to administer tissue plasminogen activator, whether a timely neurology consult was obtained likely will be a central issue in the litigation. Here are some issues that can arise during litigation.
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Houston Methodist Hospital is one of the first institutions in the nation to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for healthcare workers and other employees. Many see such mandates as the wave of the future, but others advise caution and patience to let staff make a willing choice about a controversial vaccine.
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In a recent study, researchers noted the median length of stay for all admitted patients increased 12.4 minutes in one ED and 14 minutes in another ED for every boarded patient. In addition to boarding, investigators studied other variables, such as quality improvement efforts and hospital capacity. Teams should understand their role in the larger process. All should be working toward the same goal, held accountable by leaders throughout the organization.
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If an emergency physician waits until a lawsuit has been filed, the plaintiff will have performed at least an initial investigation. Likely, experts will have reviewed the records and analyzed the care provided. This can put the provider at a distinct disadvantage. There can be great value in speaking with an attorney early in the process.
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Almost 40% of acute myocardial infarction malpractice claims result in payment, a higher percentage than any other condition, according to the results of a recent analysis.
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Malpractice claims involving physician assistants in the ED have increased in recent years and are continuing to come up, according to interviews with legal experts. Most emergency physicians who voice concerns are worried about finding themselves defendants in lawsuits — when they never saw or even knew about the patient.
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