Most careers include inherent risks; however, most jobs do not include the life or death decisions that impact the individuals who come to you for guidance and help. This forces medical professionals to face especially challenging circumstances. While you do your best to obey the Hippocratic Oath, it is impossible to eliminate every potential risk entirely. Luckily, there are strategies you can implement to mitigate these unfortunate situations.
Emphasize Communication
All great relationships begin with good communication. Build a trusting and confidential relationship with your patients so that you have their best interests in mind and can help them make better healthcare decisions. Be straightforward with your patients: when faced with unexpected outcomes, honesty is always the best policy. A patient that believes you really do care about their wellbeing is far less likely to seek out retribution in the event of a possible medical error.
Ensure Consent
Whether you’re conducting extensive surgery or a simple procedure, it is essential that you gain informed consent from your patient. This means that they are voluntarily agreeing to the process, after understanding a thorough explanation the procedure, the likelihood of risks involved, and alternative treatment options. Encourage your patients to ask questions so that they can leave their consultation feeling educated and confident in their choice. When a patient feels they have more control over their own care, they may be less inclined to blame their physician for undesirable results.
Document Encounters
The last thing you want for yourself or for your practice is to be accused of malpractice with no documentation to support you. Be sure to keep specific documentation for each consultation, procedure, and any other important patient-related event. This will help you keep track of each case and patient as precisely as possible. Although it may seem like a substantial amount of effort and time to dedicate to an unlikely event, proper documentation can actually also help you improve the quality of care of your patients. It allows you to easily follow up with test results, compile all necessary information in one place, and enable coworkers to learn from your cases.
Get Representation
In the unfortunate event where an error occurs and results in a medical malpractice suit, it’s imperative that you find adequate representation. At Doyle Schafer McMahon, we’ve successfully received fourteen defense verdicts in 2017 alone. While medical malpractice cases are difficult to take to trial, we have defended doctors and hospitals in court so well that a jury of twelve individuals agreed with us. When you require experienced and unwavering defense, choose the qualified team at Doyle Schafer McMahon.
If you fear the worst, choose the best representation at Doyle Schafer McMahon. Contact us online or by calling 949-727-7077 to speak with an experience trial attorney today.
