The goal and question of how to communicate effectively has persisted in healthcare for years. Communication has long been recognized as a complex process that is prone to errors, oversights, and glitches. In terms of patient safety and malpractice risk, the implications of inadequate or poor communication are substantial.
Read moreSenior care facilities, like other healthcare facilities, must make concerted efforts to prevent and control the risk of infectious diseases and outbreaks. The importance of infection control and prevention is particularly evident in senior care facilities due to the vulnerability of the population they serve.
Read moreInfections are a serious concern in senior care facilities and a major cause of hospitalization and death. Data show that 1–3 million serious infections occur annually in nursing homes, skilled nursing organizations, and assisted living facilities.
Read moreA look at MedPro claims data for otolaryngology (ENT) shows that allegations related to diagnosis are not as prevalent as allegations involving surgical treatment. However, claims involving diagnosis-related allegations can be significant in terms of poor patient outcomes. These claims often involve cancer, and most of the allegations are related to a failure to order or delay in ordering diagnostic testing.
Read moreA patient in his mid-sixties with a known history of exposure to asbestos and other chemicals several years prior presented to his ENT physician with complaints of nasal congestion, sinusitis, bronchitis, left ear pressure, recent hearing loss, and a history of nosebleeds with associated blood clots upon coughing.
Read moreA patient in her mid-sixties presented to her ENT physician with complaints of chronic sinusitis and a 3-month history of headache with facial pain and swelling, as well as purulent nasal discharge. A CT scan revealed a deviated septum, and a subsequent fiber optic exam identified a right-sided sinus blockage.
Read moreThe patient, a 66-year-old Hispanic male who did not speak English, was referred to a MedPro-insured ophthalmologist (Dr. A) by his regular optometrist (Dr. B) for evaluation of early cataracts. During the patient's appointment, Dr. A relied on her very limited Spanish proficiency to communicate with the patient instead of using an interpreter.
Read moreThe informed consent process is a nondelegable duty that physicians, dentists, and other practitioners must perform through discussions with patients. Healthcare providers should obtain consent from patients — or in certain cases, patients' authorized representatives — for proposed surgeries, procedures, or treatments that patients will undergo.
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