Risk Management Tools & Resources

 


Red Flags for Disruptive Behavior in Healthcare Professionals

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Sadly, disruptive behavior among healthcare professionals and staff is common, and it poses a threat to patient safety and staff well-being. In a recent survey of healthcare professionals at an academic hospital in the United States, 63 percent of participants experienced unprofessional behavior at least once a month.1 These behaviors can take a serious toll on members of the patient care team and can increase the risk of adverse events.

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Password Security Best Practices for Healthcare Organizations

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

In the current healthcare technology landscape — which includes robotics, telehealth, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, nanomedicine, virtual reality, and more — password security might seem archaic. Healthcare workers have used passwords for years to log in to various organizational systems, and doing so has likely become second nature. Recently, however, cyberattacks and data breaches have heightened security concerns for healthcare organizations, emphasizing the need to develop new security strategies and revisit old protocols.

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Tips and Strategies for De-Escalating Aggressive, Hostile, or Violent Patients

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Managing patient complaints and dissatisfaction is an unpleasant but certain reality in healthcare. Despite best efforts, situations will occur in which patients are unhappy and feel compelled to voice their displeasure and concerns. In some cases, patients’ emotions might escalate, and they may become aggressive, hostile, or violent.

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Managing Patients Who Have Red Flags for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Healthcare providers who offer cosmetic and aesthetic services help patients address physical issues that might impede their body image, emotional well-being, and psychosocial functioning. Surgeries or procedures that correct or improve these issues can ultimately enhance patients’ quality of life and address lingering insecurities. Yet, for some patients, seeking out cosmetic and aesthetic services is symptomatic of a more complex issue called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or body dysmorphia. This condition ultimately can lead to negative consequences for both patients and healthcare providers.

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Wrongful Birth and Wrongful Life Allegations: Overview and Risk Mitigation Strategies

In recent years, MedPro has noted an uptick in malpractice cases related to wrongful birth and wrongful life. Although these types of cases are still uncommon, when they do occur, settlements or judgments can be in the millions of dollars.

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15 Ways Hospitals Can Improve Environmental Safety and Reduce Falls

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Patient falls are a vexing and persistent problem for hospitals. A collaborative publication from The Joint Commission, the Health Research and Educational Trust, and the American Hospital Association notes that “Despite long-term and widespread attention to fall prevention, patients continue to fall, and many of these falls result in injury.”1

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When Patient Phobias Turn Into Medical Emergencies

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Patient phobias related to medical or dental treatment can be problematic and concerning in various ways. These emotions may manifest as nonadherence to treatment plans or appointment schedules, behavioral issues, or — in extreme cases — medical emergencies. The case studies below offer two examples of how patient fear and anxiety contributed to medical emergencies.

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Record Retention Basics for Healthcare Practices

Healthcare practices generate and maintain many different types of records, including patient health records and business records. These records help organizations maintain critical information and deliver quality services and care.

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