Tips for Preventing Malpractice in Hospitals
There is no shortage of work as a healthcare professional, and when things get busy, sometimes even the slightest mistake can cost you your licensure. The legal components of the business are, at times, challenging to uphold between patient care and keeping an established practice afloat. By following these tips for preventing malpractice in hospitals, you can safeguard against the risk of facing litigation.
Use Effective Communication
As a professional in the medical industry, your understanding and knowledge of medical concepts are second nature. Unfortunately, your patients don’t possess the same years of training.
It can benefit you and your practice to explain patient concerns and choices in lay terms without diluting the severity of their ailments. Effective and compassionate communication skills can mitigate any litigation concerns and encourage patients to ask more questions about their diagnoses.
Establish Strong Relationships
The communication between you and your patient can flourish with a valuable bond. How you treat them, your level of transparency to their concerns, and the quality of your time with them can determine their ability to trust you with their care.
It’s critical to establish a solid relationship to drastically reduce the risk of malpractice.
Be Thorough With Patient Care
In addition to effective communication and a trustworthy relationship, it’s essential to review all the patient’s information and make space for open dialogue. Remain thorough in training on medical devices and further your education to stay well-informed. Follow all protocols for patient charting and ensure the patient’s actions are easily accessible.
Understand Informed Consent
One of the most effective tips for preventing malpractice in hospitals is understanding and abiding by informed consent. A common reason for litigation is patients receiving treatment or procedures they did not consent to.
Transparency in communication and consent is critical in handling a patient’s healthcare. Try to obtain written consent in all applicable scenarios, as this is a means of thorough documentation should an issue arise.
Maintain All Records and Documents
You must record and document all the information any time you visit, speak to, or update a patient’s care. The records you keep are your paper trail and voice in all situations. Keep accurate and precise records on file after any encounter with a patient. Should you fail to record their last visit or latest concerns, and something transpire, you risk a massive legal challenge.
It’s critical to seek legal representation promptly should a malpractice suit find its way to you. By following some of these tips and best practices, you can remain safe from many forms of avoidable litigation.
