Electronic Device Use and Associated Risks Impacting Healthcare Providers and Patients
Description
Healthcare delivery, when distracted by electronic devices, can potentially lead to unsafe care. Self-imposed use of such devices for non-medical purposes has seeped into daily practice. Personal electronic devices can create a digital distraction so engaging that it consumes situational awareness, potentially preventing healthcare providers from focusing on, caring for, and interacting with patients. Physician/patient interaction with electronic devices and text messaging brings risk as well. Patients can use their own technology to record physician interactions, sometimes surreptitiously. This program explores the problems of distractions in healthcare practice, and other challenges presented by electronic devices. Case examples with legal counsel reflection and mitigation strategies that can be implemented in your practice will be presented.
| Course ID #: | TDS190208 | Issue Date: | 02/25/2019 | Expiration Date: | 02/25/2020 |
Objectives
After completing this activity, learners will be able to:
- Assess my practice/organization for opportunities to limit distractions and interruptions.
- Identify mitigation strategies to address texting, patient-initiated healthcare recording, and other risks associated with electronic devices.
- Create a written plan for my practice that outlines steps to reduce distractions from electronic devices when caring for patients.
- Educate colleagues to the challenges of defending medical malpractice claims involving allegations of distracted practice.
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.
Faculty
Lisa McCorkle, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPPS, CPHRM, LNCC, Patient Safety Risk Manager, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Carol Murray, RHIA, CPHRM, CPPS, Patient Safety Risk Manager, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Local Defense Attorney
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 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Technical Requirements
The activity is best experienced using the most current browser: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, or Microsoft Edge. 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.