Diagnostic Cardiology Closed Claims Study: An Expert Analysis of Medical Malpractice Allegations

Description

The specialty of cardiology is complex and has underlying vulnerabilities that can put patients at risk of injury and can increase liability for cardiologists and other clinicians who treat heart patients. Understanding common areas of liability and risk exposure are a valuable way to make effective practice improvements.  

In March 2020, The Doctors Company completed a review of diagnostic cardiology claims that had closed between 2014 and 2019.  This educational activity shares the results of that study including recommendations of best practices to mitigate risk and improve patient care. The information presented is intended to prompt open discussions within their organization regarding ways to decrease exposure to malpractice litigation and increase patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Course ID #: TDE 200798.0 Issue Date: 09/03/2020 Expiration Date: 09/03/2023

Objectives

After completing this activity, learners will be able to:

  • Determine if any of the patient allegations found in the cardiology closed claims represent similar occurrences within my practice.
  • Educate members of my healthcare team about the types of claims and patient injuries found in the analysis of malpractice claims.
  • Implement three risk management strategies that can reduce the risk of patient injuries and/or improve the quality of care.

Disclosure

No individual in a position to control or influence the content of this activity has reported relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. No commercial support was provided for this activity.

Disclaimer

The information and guidelines contained in this activity are generalized and may not apply to all practice situations. We recommend that legal advice be obtained from a qualified attorney for specific application to your practice. The information is intended for educational purposes and should be used as a reference guide only.

Course Developers

Debra Davidson, MJ, ARM, CPHRM, CPPS, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company

Johanna Lackner, MPH, MSW, Patient Safety Department, Senior Director, Continuing Professional Development, The Doctors Company

Continuing Education Credit

The Doctors Company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical educational activities for physicians.

The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Complies with State Requirements

Please SEE the Federation of State Medical Boards overview of Continuing Medical Education requirements by State. 

Technical Requirements

The activity is best experienced using the most current browser: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer is not supported by this platform. All activities featuring audio must have a speaker. To view graphic images and references that appear in separate "pop-up" windows, JavaScript and session cookies must be enabled on your computer. Adobe Acrobat Reader may be required for certain activities.

Contact Us

If you have questions, contact educationsupport@thedoctors.com or call 800.421.2368, extension 1243.

Resource

Visit our Resource document for this program.