Preventing Medical Malpractice Suits: A Handbook for Doctors and Those Who Work with Them

This book explains how to avoid medical malpractice suits in so clear a manner that it is destined to become a classic. Rather than looking at how to fight off a lawsuit, the author's approach here is to show how doctors and other healthcare practitioners can carefully avoid creating the grounds for a malpractice suit in the first place.Many of the insights in this book come from a study of more than 200 physicians who had practiced for over 20 years without a malpractice suit. Other sources include extensive interviews with malpractice plaintiffs, reviews of the literature and court cases, and years of experience in working with medical risk managers from all parts of the country.The advice presented here is aimed at physicians, but it is also of very practical interest for the entire office team as well - nurses, managers, and others. Indeed, it turns out to be especially important that these individuals read, understand, and help the doctor implement the many specific points discussed here. This material will also be of interest to healthcare attorneys and managers, and to patients wanting to know that their physician is indeed maintaining the highest standards of good practice. Students training for healthcare careers will also find that this material provides a fundamental source of guidance for their future work.Includes five brief appendices containing risk management checklists usable on a daily basis, draft letters to patients, sample questionnaires, and other practical tools.