Systems-based Practice

Documentation: Strengthening the Patient Story, Part 1 Correct Records

Medical records tell the story of patient care, thus contributing to patient safety. Some of the main attributes of good documentationcharacteristics that maximize patients’ welfare while also reflecting healthcare professionals’ competent carecan be described through the framework of “five Cs”:…

EFM Case Study #10: FHR Category II, Part 3: Management

The most frequent OB malpractice allegation, delay in the treatment of fetal distress, involves interpretation and management errors of fetal heart rate patterns (FHR). FHR patterns are divided into 3 categories based on risk of fetal acidemia by criteria outlined…

EFM Case Study #10: FHR Category II, Part 2: Critical Thinking

The most frequent OB malpractice allegation, delay in the treatment of fetal distress, involves interpretation and management errors of fetal heart rate patterns (FHR). FHR patterns are divided into 3 categories based on risk of fetal acidemia by criteria outlined…

EFM Case Study #10: FHR Category II, Part 1: The Science

The most frequent OB malpractice allegation, delay in the treatment of fetal distress, involves interpretation and management errors of fetal heart rate patterns (FHR). FHR patterns are divided into 3 categories based on risk of fetal acidemia by criteria outlined…

EFM Case Study #08: Preterm Labor, Part 2

The prevention and treatment of preterm labor (PTL) has shifted focus away from the pregnant patient and has become a means of improving newborn outcomes. The over treatment of women with complaints of preterm labor without objective evidence is no…

EFM Case Study #08: Preterm Labor, Part 1

The prevention and treatment of preterm labor (PTL) has shifted focus away from the pregnant patient and has become a means of improving newborn outcomes. The over treatment of women with complaints of preterm labor without objective evidence is no…

Disclosure of Adverse Events: Part 2

When there is an unanticipated result of a treatment or procedure, the involved patient and the family usually want to know what happened. When what occurred is a consequence of the disease process or is a known risk of treatment,…

Disclosure of Adverse Events: Part 1

Adverse events are an unavoidable feature of the healthcare environment. Studies and surveys show that both patients and physicians support open communication about adverse events and medical errors, but this strongly held belief “does not necessarily translate into disclosure in…

Surgical Error, Part 5: Case Study

Historically, surgeons have poorly understood the reasons for adverse surgical events and malpractice claims, believing them to be either unavoidable or due to deficient skill or knowledge. This five-part series will refute those assumptions, using evidence from surgery claims data,…

Surgical Error, Part 4: Systems of Care

Historically, surgeons have poorly understood the reasons for adverse surgical events and malpractice claims, believing them to be either unavoidable or due to deficient skill or knowledge. This five-part series will refute those assumptions, using evidence from surgery claims data,…