Healthcare Risk Management – August 1, 2024

Culture of Safety Results in Low Reported Harm Rate

A focused effort to create a just culture is paying off in big ways for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, which is seeing low rates of errors and patient harm while instilling a sense of safety responsibility at all levels.

Kentucky Protects Clinicians from Criminal Charges

The state of Kentucky has responded to the sensational criminal prosecution of a nurse in neighboring Tennessee by enacting a law that shields healthcare providers from criminal prosecution for medical errors.

Outpatient Safety Overlooked with Focus on Inpatient

Despite years of efforts to improve patient safety, recent research indicates that nearly all the attention has been on inpatient care. Outpatient safety is being neglected and needs far more attention, researchers say.

Patient Perception of Safety Falling in Recent Research

Despite improvements in some key metrics for patient safety, consumers do not report a corresponding confidence in their quality of care.

Clinical Decision Software Highly Effective in OR

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) say advanced clinical decision support software can prevent up to 95% of medication errors in the operating room.

Malpractice Insurance Rates Increasing After Stable Period

After a dozen years of medical malpractice insurance rates holding stable, a recent analysis by the American Medical Association (AMA) shows that 36.2% of medical liability insurance premiums increased over the previous year, the highest rate since 2005.

Indiana Appellate Court Allows Case to Proceed Against Doctor Accused of Improperly Accessing Patients’ Medical Records

The Court of Appeals of Indiana recently revived a case involving significant allegations of breaches of privacy and professional misconduct against a doctor and hospital group.

Eleventh Circuit Affirms Jury Verdict of $2.5 Million for Mesh Device Plaintiff Despite Close Call on Statute of Limitations

A case recently decided by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit addresses the application of Florida’s statute of limitations in products liability cases involving vaginal mesh devices.