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During litigation, two important questions will arise: How did the hospital keep the patient safe? Was the hospital not doing reasonable things that other hospitals were doing?
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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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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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Smart infusion pumps are nearly ubiquitous in acute care settings across the country today, representing a big step forward in infusion safety. However, errors still can occur. The Joint Commission notes errors usually are attributable to a combination of human and technical risk factors.
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Research has shown a highly personalized intervention designed for hospitalized patients with comorbid substance use problems can significantly reduce subsequent readmissions and ED visits.
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In the continuing tussle over whether providers should have to obtain an X-waiver to prescribe buprenorphine, the Biden administration has staked out some middle ground, at least for now.
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To effectively address diagnostic improvement, clinicians should understand some concepts around how people reason and the common pitfalls that can lead to errors.
