Page 19 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part One

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

Now, let’s look at some specific communication topics to

consider when evaluating your practice’s communication
effectiveness.

Informed Consent

Many physicians seem to view informed consent as merely a

formality necessary to obtain the patient’s signature on a form
to allow a specific procedure to be performed or treatment or

medication to be administered. In actuality, it is often the most
important discussion that physicians will have with their

patients as it educates them of potential complications that can
and do occur. It involves patients in the management of their

care and helps establish and maintain rapport.

While lack of informed consent is rarely the central issue in a
lawsuit, it is almost always included as an additional allegation.

In the claims reviewed where consent was an issue, it was
related to the failure to review specific risks, benefits, and

alternatives associated with a proposed procedure, as well as
a failure to ensure the patient had an opportunity to have his or

her questions answered.

Physicians have a legal and ethical obligation to provide patients

with sufficient information so they can make an informed
election about the course of their medical treatment. Generally

speaking, it is the duty of the physician performing the medical
test or procedure to disclose pertinent information to the patient

and ensure that valid consent is obtained. While it is certainly
appropriate to have the patient sign a consent document, this

should be done only after a very detailed discussion between
the physician and patient has taken place. The physician may

also be assisted by other healthcare professionals in providing

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