In recent years, opioids have become a hot button issue in healthcare. The use of these powerful analgesics has risen dramatically over the past 15 years, and misuse has led to an epidemic of opioid overdoses and a national heroin crisis.
Read moreIn any discussion of managing unanticipated outcomes in healthcare, including medical errors, the immediate concern is supporting patients who are affected by these incidents. Patients are considered the "first victims" of unanticipated outcomes, and healthcare organizations and providers have a duty to provide them with truthful information, follow-up care, and emotional support.
Read moreDocumentation is a critical aspect of healthcare delivery because it memorializes patient care, facilitates communication among caregivers, forms the basis for coding and billing, provides data pertinent to quality improvement, and may provide information that is critical to the defense of a legal action.
Read moreDisclosing an unanticipated outcome to a patient/family can be daunting and stressful. Healthcare providers may worry about the possibility of litigation, damage to their reputations, workplace consequences, or even just upsetting patients/families.
Read moreDisruptive behavior among healthcare providers and staff is widespread in healthcare settings, from large health systems to small healthcare practices. In a survey of more than 800 physicians and physician leaders, more than 70 percent of participants said that disruptive physician behavior occurs at least once a month at their organizations, and more than 10 percent of participants said that such incidents occur on a daily basis.
Read moreSadly, disruptive behavior among healthcare professionals and staff is not uncommon, and it represents a serious patient safety concern. According to the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the majority of healthcare professionals have encountered colleagues engaging in disruptive behaviors with coworkers, patients, relatives, and others.
Read moreEffective verbal communication is the bedrock of quality, patient-centered care. Healthcare providers and staff undoubtedly are aware of the continued emphasis and importance placed on verbal communication through various quality measures and standards. However, good nonverbal communication — facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, and tone of voice — also is essential.
Read moreManaging patient complaints and dissastisfaction is an unpleasant but certain reality for healthcare organizations. Despite best efforts, situations occur in which patients are unhappy and feel compelled to voice their displeasure and concerns. Unfortunately, in some cases, the patient making the complaint might become angry or aggressive.
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