Page 33 - OB Risks - Delivering the Goods (Part One)

SVMIC Obstetrics Risks: Delivering the Goods

the needed surgery, a detailed discussion to explain the risks of

that refusal is of utmost importance. The documentation of that
discussion and the patient’s continued refusal is critical in the

event that a medical malpractice lawsuit results.

Physician-to-Provider Communication

Obstetricians are part of a multi-faceted healthcare team,
involving multiple locations (medical office and hospital)

and multiple patients (mother and child). Effective and
timely communication along with a culture of open and safe

communication are vital to ensuring optimal outcomes and
reducing liability. Physician-physician communication failures

were found in 22 percent of all communication issues for closed
obstetrics claims.

The two primary scenarios where this type of breakdown occurs
involve communicating with covering or on-call OBs, and

consultations with other specialists.

Communicating with On-Call Physicians, Residents,

and Laborists

An example of this type of miscommunication occurring is when
the information documented in the patient’s prenatal records

is not available to the physicians who provide care during the
labor and delivery. This next claim highlights the complications

that can result from these types of communication failure.
Additionally, there were other indefensibility issues such as

documentation and system errors.

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