Page 40 - APP Collaboration - Assessing the Risk (Part One)

SVMIC Advanced Practice Provider Collaboration: Assessing the Risk

Communication

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the top
liability issues, beginning with communication.

Informed Consent

Many physicians may view informed consent as merely a
formality necessary to obtain the patient’s signature on a form

so a specific procedure can be performed, or treatment and/or
medication administered. However, to many lawyers, informed

consent is considered the “ultimate communication” and is often
the most important discussion a physician will have with his or

her patient.

Physicians have a legal and ethical obligation to provide
patients with sufficient information from which they can

make an informed election and decision about their medical
treatment. What frequently gets overlooked in the informed

consent process, however, is that this discussion is another
opportunity to establish or solidify rapport with patients. An

informed decision discussion involves the patient in his or her
medical care and helps to set realistic expectations regarding

the proposed procedure or treatment plan. Omitting low risk, but
high-severity-potential complications such as death, paralysis,

or loss of sexual function to shield the patient from unnecessary
worry can backfire and lead to a lawsuit. False reassurances

intended to calm anxious patients may create unrealistic
expectations.

Generally, it is the duty of the physician or APP who performs
the medical test or procedure, or prescribes the medication

in question, to disclose pertinent information to the patient

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