Case Study, Surgeon Culture, and more

52%

Clinical Judgment

Most commonly, failures to a) appreciate and reconcile relevant signs, symptoms, or test results; b) order a diagnostic test; or c) correctly interpret diagnostic studies.

36%

Technical Skill

Most commonly, poor technical performance related to a known complication, often due to inexperience with the procedure.

27%

Communication

Most commonly, miscommunication among providers regarding the patient’s condition, a failure to read the medical record, or a breakdown in closed-loop communication.

PODCAST

Harvard Joins IHI to Cut Referral Mistakes

As many as half of specialty referrals are not fully completed, resulting in severe harm to undiagnosed patients and millions in malpractice costs. Dr. David Ting, co-author of a new “Closing the Loop…” referral guide from CRICO and IHI, talks about prevention, in the final part of our series. Listen...

Surgeons Behaving Badly and What that Means for Malpractice and Patient Care

Ariadne Labs led a first-of-its-kind Harvard research study that sheds new light on the serious effects of negative surgeon behavior. Surgery needs a culture change...

ONLINE CME

Surgery: Know Your Risks

Effective communication between surgeons and patients can lead to stronger relationships and realistic patient expectations—and help to prevent medmal claims. MD | non MD version

CASE STUDY

Too High a Threshold for Intervention Led to Inpatient Prolonged Stay and Treatment

A 36-year-old male was found to have a perforated jejunum eight days after an initial ED visit, with subsequent complications and a prolonged rehabilitation. What went wrong?