Page 21 - OB Risks - Delivering the Goods (Part Two)

SVMIC Obstetrics Risks: Delivering the Goods

risks and complications at the beginning of the pregnancy and

continue the education of the patient at every visit. The patient
should sign a specific VBAC/TOLAC informed consent form,

as well as a specific consent form for any emergent cesarean
section delivery. Refer to vantage.svmic.com for sample TOLAC

informed consent form. A delay in diagnosis and treatment of the
complication(s) is often alleged in a lawsuit, so a discussion of

possible postpartum complications should be a routine part of
the informed consent process for TOLAC as well.

To successfully defend a medical malpractice claim involving

VBAC/TOLAC, events during progression of labor must be
documented as accurately and contemporaneously as possible.

In the event of an unexpected and/or emergent obstetric
event, the hospital team members should hold a debriefing to

review times and the sequence of events based on the notes
that were recorded during the event. The purpose of such a

meeting is to avoid confusion and inaccuracy in the medical
record when multiple providers participate in the emergent

event. If a complication occurs during postpartum, follow the
same procedure for documentation of the event. It is advised

that any such discussions take place in conjunction with the
risk manager for the facility to protect the conversations from

discovery in the event suit is filed.

Malpractice claims involving VBAC/TOLAC may result out of

postpartum management of a patient who is more likely to
suffer complications than the woman with a normal vaginal

delivery. The complications can be quite severe. Postpartum

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