Risk Management

Tips

The concept of patient partnering is gaining popularity as several recent publications and studies have noted. One study found that patients who become involved in their own health care management are more compliant with medications, adhere more readily to treatment, have measurably better health outcomes and have a more trusting relationship with their physician. Thus, physicians can use the concept of creating a partnership, whereby the patient shares responsibility for their own health care decisions, as an effective risk management tool.

Much has been written about the need for effective communication between physicians and their patients. In the exam room, the typical physician will ask the patient why they have come, then interrupt after an average of 18 seconds. Studies show that the uninterrupted patient will complete their response within an average of two minutes. By listening to the patient, the physician learns the patient's perception of their health care needs. This is usually a more accurate and complete assessment and is obtained in essentially the same amount of time.

A second article looked at the incidence of malpractice claims to determine what factors lead to initiation of a claim. The study concluded that claims filing is not random; 4-6% of physicians generate up to 90% of dollars paid in awards and settlements. Patients treated by this high risk group of physicians were more likely to complain of feeling rushed, ignored and receiving inadequate explanations or advice. The author suggested that, by building patient relationships, physicians could substantially reduce their risk of being sued.

We hope you will consider using the patient visit to really communicate with your patients. Educate them on their diagnosis, treatment and options. Then allow them to participate fully in their own health care decisions. This will help improve the patients overall care while contributing to a good physician/patient rapport.

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