Simple Steps for Physicians to Minimize Malpractice Risk

NORWALK, Conn., Feb. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For many physicians, it's no longer a matter of if they will face a lawsuit from a patient, it's a matter of when.

According to Physicians Practice's 2014 Great American Physician Survey, three in 10 physicians said they have been a defendant in a lawsuit, and another four in 10 said they've been threatened with legal action regarding their services. While providing excellent clinical care can of course reduce the likelihood of a medical error, there are other ways medical practices can minimize their malpractice risk.

The cover story for the March 2015 issue of Physicians Practice explores several of these non-clinical ways physicians can decrease the likelihood of facing a malpractice lawsuit, featuring insight and advice from practice management and malpractice experts. From prioritizing physician communication and improving staff interactions with patients to having strong policies and documentation in place, medical practices can work to be proactive vs. reactive in addressing patient dissatisfaction with a treatment outcome.

"Physicians and medical practices are busier than ever and everyone is trying to see all the patients they can in a set amount of hours; and that's not counting emergency and last-minute visits. So, sometimes, in the bustle of a busy practice day, the patient doesn't feel heard or understood, and when they are troubled or have a bad outcome, those feelings can manifest into a lawsuit," said Keith L. Martin, Physician Practice's group editorial director. "But from improving staff training to making sure documentation is thorough and organized, there are ways to handle the business of medicine and the emotions of patients."

For example, Jeffrey D. Brunken, president of physician insurer MGIS, recommends four simple communication strategies for physicians during a patient visit:

• Don't dismiss (or appear to dismiss) patient concerns.
• Listen carefully.
• Set realistic expectations.
• Provide clear answers.

In addition to expert recommendations, this month's cover story also features:

• Tips on how to handle a confrontation with angry patients;
• Advice on how to properly apologize to a patient following a treatment error;
• Insight on four key communication problems that increase the likelihood of a lawsuit (and how to avoid making them; and
• Guidance on the top 10 things physicians should never say to patients.

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