Page 69 - 2022 Risk Basics - Surgical Practice

SVMIC Risk Basics: Surgical Practice

Review results for all tests ordered preoperatively to ensure

that any abnormalities receive proper follow-up.

Incorporate checklists and guidelines developed by
professional societies and organizations.

If using a tasking system for interoffice communication, be sure

to have a surrogate reviewer assigned to open task-boxes and
review messages for anyone not in the office. Educate staff to

communicate “critical values” verbally rather than relying on
tasking.

The risks of distraction in the OR and the tools to overcome

distraction should be incorporated in training programs for

surgeons and for perioperative personnel.

Communicate and document follow-up instructions, warnings,
and relevant discharge information to patients. Be sure to

convey such information in layman’s terms that are clearly
understandable.

While focusing on patient safety, as we have done through this

presentation, can greatly reduce your chances of a malpractice
claim, your strongest weapon may indeed be the ability to

connect with your patients and create a bond of trust. Decades
of research teaches us that if a patient trusts his or her

physician, he or she is much more likely to forgive an adverse

outcome. The formula for a lawsuit is a disappointing outcome
plus a physician who has lost the benefit of the doubt. The

benefit of the doubt is given by patients to physicians they

believe to be honest, caring, and competent. They form an

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