Page 36 - OB Risks - Delivering the Goods (Part One)

SVMIC Obstetrics Risks: Delivering the Goods

damage to the infant had occurred. In light of the failure
to communicate critical information about the patient’s

chosen birth plan, and the failure to provide this information
to those involved in the labor and delivery by providing

the prenatal records in a timely manner, the claim against
the obstetrician could not be defended.

Consultations with Specialists

When referring a patient to another physician, clear

communication between the physicians is key to reducing
risks in the handoff process. Clear guidelines for consultation

and referral for complications should be developed within your
own practice, as well as within the hospital. When appropriate,

early and ongoing consultation regarding a woman’s care is
necessary for the best possible outcome. The obstetrician

should have knowledge, skills, and judgment to determine when
timely consultation and/or referral may be appropriate.

Let’s start by looking at a claim where the failure to discuss
a patient’s prenatal ultrasound with the anesthesiologist and

other physicians prior to her C-section resulted in a devastating
outcome.

C A S E S T U DY

A 31-year-old patient presented in September with her

fifth pregnancy for OB care. All previous deliveries were
C-section deliveries, and her obstetrician included this

information in the medical record documentation, as well
as other pertinent medical history such as the anticipated

delivery date at the end of March. An ultrasound was

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