Avoiding malpractice - The physician-patient relationship

While it has been demonstrated that as many as one-third of all patients experience some iatrogenic event while in-hospital, most do not pursue a malpractice claim.

Why is this so?
Studies suggest that the relationship between the patient and the physician plays a large part in determining whether or not a patient will make a malpractice claim.
Many experts believe that an even larger number of malpractice suits could be avoided if physicians listened more attentively to patients, and if the physician patient relationship was based on mutual trust and open communication. Some other points which will could help decrease the risk of malpractice suits are:

• Introduce yourself to all patients and pay attention to non-verbal cues.
• Provide sufficient time to personally care for each patient. Take time to explain treatment plans and provide emotional support.
• Avoid medical jargon and be punctual for meetings with patients and families.
• Avoid criticizing other physicians or another physician's management of your patients.
• NEVER guarantee the outcome of a treatment.

Carefully Document all:

• Discussions
• Discharge instructions
• Telephone calls
• Any and all findings
• Changes in the physical exam or clinical course
• Patient's refusal of care

Personalize your treatment of patients.
Patients are much more likely to sue an impersonal physician than one with whom they have developed a good relationship:

• Treat all patients with courtesy and consideration.
• Arrange for physician coverage for your patients while you are off.
• Prescribing medications over the phone is not advisable. If it is necessary, always follow up the telephone call with a written prescription and document the call and prescription in the patient's chart.
• Request consultations when indicated and appropriate.