Cervical Cancer Claims: A Review for Advanced Practice Clinicians

Description

Cervical cancer medical negligence claims are reviewed over a 10-year period to identify the major case types in which the advanced practice clinician (APC) is the responsible party. The factors that contributed to those claims as identified by plaintiff and defense provider experts are discussed through case examples with learner questions. Risk mitigation strategies are identified to guide gynecologists in further providing the safest patient care and thereby improving their risk profile.

Desciption of the Professional Practice Gap (PPG)

Malpractice claims against Advanced Practice Providers (APCs) is lower than rates by physicians. Recent shortages of physicians and changes in state laws that regulate and or restrict the practice of APCs are providing more opportunities for broader practice authority for APCs.  As scope of practice for APCs becomes broader, there will likely be more litigation brought against APCs.

By reviewing the negligent claims brought against gynecologists and APC staff related to cervical cancer, APCs may learn what plaintiff and defense experts identify as factors that contributed to these claims. Diagnostic failure is a key factor in these claims.  A review of the diagnostic process steps that are most vulnerable to risk, allows APCs to evaluate their own clinical practice, office processes and workflows to improve and to reduce the risk of cervical cancer claims.

Learning Outcome

Implement three risk mitigation strategies related to mismanaged cervical care that will diminish the risk of cervical cancer malpractice claims.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, learners will be able to:

• Evaluate factors that may contribute to breakdowns in the diagnostic process of care among gynecology providers.
• Utilize the closed claim examples and insights from Dr. Susan Mann to educate your peers and team to improve potential failure points related to the diagnostic process of care.
• Educate fellow APCs about key factors that contribute to cervical cancer claims against gynecology providers.

Course Developers

Kimberly Hathaway, MSN, RN, CPHRM, CPHQ, Director Patient Safety Healthcare Quality & Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Susan Mann, MD, Board Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Diplomat American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Lisa McCorkle, MSN, MBA, RN, CPHQ, CPPS, CPHRM, LNCC, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Johanna Lackner, MPH, MSW, Senior Director, Continuing Professional Development, Department of Patient Safety and Risk
Management, The Doctors Company

Accreditation and Disclosure Statement

The Doctors Company is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 nursing contact hour. Learners should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
 
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 Statement

This program is being offered for informational and educational purposes only from a Patient Safety Risk Management perspective and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary from state to state, actual clinical situations often involve subtle differences and nuances from program scenarios or recommendations, and the recommendations provided in this activity may not apply to all practice situations. In complex circumstances, which present significant potential for an adverse event or litigation, TDC and the faculty recommend you consult directly with your corporate or personal counsel for professional legal guidance. 

Complies with State Requirements

Please SEE the Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse CE 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 on 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.

Resource

Visit our Resource document for this program.