Cardiology – Business of Medicine: Lessons from Medical Malpractice Claims

Description

This educational activity is from an article that was originally published in Cardiology Magazine in June 2023. The article explains the Three Ps—Prevent, Preclude, and Prevail—as key elements to reduce clinician risk related to malpractice litigation. This article reviews an actual cardiology closed claims lawsuit and applies the analysis of the Three Ps. It concludes by explaining the reasons the lawsuit was settled for a nominal amount.

Description of the Professional Practice Gap (PPG)

Clinicians, such as primary care and cardiologists, who routinely evaluate and treat patients with cardiac conditions may benefit from insight from a real cardiology closed claims lawsuit and what factors contributed to it. They will learn the concept of the “Three P” analysis as a strategy to minimize the risk of professional liability litigation. This educational activity explains the various issues that led to the filing of the lawsuit and what ultimately lead to a settlement of a nominal amount, such as inadequate communication which is often a prevailing factor in successfully defending a professional liability lawsuit.

Learning Outcome Statement

80 percent of learners will indicate an intention to implement at least one enhancement in the management of patients on high-risk anticoagulation medications because of information learned in this activity.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, learners will be able to:

• Apply the Three Ps – Prevent, Preclude and Prevail – and how they may contribute to reducing the risk of malpractice litigation.
• Ensure your internal processes require the ordering clinician of a patient INR to review and sign off abnormal lab results.
• Document when test results are reviewed and any recommended treatment changes.

Course Developers

Debra Davidson, MJ, ARM, CPHRM, CPPS, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, Department of Patient safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Amy Wasdin, RN, MBA, CPHRM, CPHQ, Director, Patient Safety Staff Education, The Doctors Company                                                   
Kimberly Hathaway, MSN, RN, CPHRM, CPHQ, Director Patient Safety Healthcare Quality & Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Johanna Lackner, MPH, MSW, Senior Director, Continuing Professional Development, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, 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.

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.

ANCC - 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 0.5 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

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.

Complies with State Requirements

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