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Risk Management Rounds: Surgery
Overview
Unlike medical specialists, surgeons usually don’t form enduring relationships with their patients. The resulting emotional detachment leaves patients with less compunction against suing over a bad result. Also, whereas medical specialists are generally seen as “treaters” who require time and patience to produce results, surgeons are seen as “fixers” from whom overnight miracles are not only deemed possible, but frequently expected. This course focuses on risk management issues specific to the practice of surgery.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, a physician should be able to:
1. Discuss how communication with patients can help improve patient care and prevent lawsuits.
2. Apply principles of informed consent, implied consent, and informed refusal in a variety of clinical situations.
3. Recognize and avoid situations, such as “ghost surgery,” that violate informed consent.
4. Understand how surgical and medical record documentation and maintenance affects litigation and patient safety.
5. Understand how the courts define a surgeon’s duty in a variety of patient care situations.
6. Understand the importance of peer review, and how to participate in the process without needlessly increasing your own legal exposure.
Target Audience
This course is designed for surgeons who want to limit their liability exposure and improve patient safety.
Methodology
This is a self-study course consisting of text and CME test. Physicians should read the course content, answer the test questions and submit the answers for scoring. Those who complete the course with a score of 80 percent or higher will earn a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 creditsTM.
Faculty/Author
This course was developed by Rosemary Gafner, Ed.D. Dr. Gafner’s CV is available on request or online at https://www.medrisk.com/Medrisk/Faculty/CV/default.aspx.
CME Information
Medical Risk Management, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education for physicians. Medical Risk Management, Inc.designates this continuing medical education activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 creditsTM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity is valid for release May 1, 2007 and expires on April 30, 2010.
Commercial Support
This activity was developed solely by Medical Risk Management, Inc. without any outside commercial support.
 Please check with your insurance carrier for approved courses before registering. Courses not approved by your insurance carrier will not be accepted by them for any discounts they may offer.
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