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Circuit Court Decision Could Make COVID-19 Lawsuits Easier

A recent federal appeals court decision appears to put nursing homes at risk of lawsuits related to deaths of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also might increase the risk for other healthcare entities.

Data Show Leaders Worried About Cyberthreats

Recent research shows healthcare leaders are worried about the potential consequences of a cyberattack.

Ransomware, Other Cyber Threats Can Lead to Malpractice Cases

IRBs Face Unique Ethics Questions About Big Data Research

There is a need for ethics review committees to improve oversight capacity for big data research, the authors of a recent paper argued. Researchers assessed the weaknesses of ethics review committees, some of which are not specific to big data research but could be exacerbated by it, and some that are specific to big data research.

IRBs Scrutinizing Remote Consent, Screening, and Participation in Study Protocols

It is critical to remember face-to-face contact remains the best way to conduct the process of informed consent. Remote processes should not be used as an alternative if face-to-face contact is safe and practical.

Providers and Patients Alike Grapple with Spiking Prices

Patients are shelling out more money in insurance premiums as they seek ever-costlier, complex treatment more often, which providers are struggling to afford to offer.

Severe Brain Injuries Caused by Postnatal Negligence Results in $35 Million Verdict

One of the major takeaways from this case relates to the substantial adverse verdict imposed by the jury here: Nearly $35 million dollars, primarily allocated to the lifetime of anticipated medical expenses. Past and future expenses are a critical component that medical malpractice patients seek to recover. When the patient is an injured child, a lifetime of injuries can cascade into massive damages through projections and estimates of permanent or extensive medical care.

Misdiagnosis of Infection Leads to Injuries and $500,000 Award

This case presents interesting lessons in both substance of medical malpractice cases and in procedures for resolving allegations of medical malpractice. On the substance, the primary issues in this case revolved around the delayed diagnosis: whether the delay fell below the applicable standard of care, and whether the delay directly caused the patient’s injuries. A patient alleging medical malpractice has the burden of demonstrating both of these elements, among others.

Hospital Successfully Addresses Medication List Errors in ED

Many patients’ medication lists contain errors when they are admitted through the ED. South Shore Hospital in South Weymouth, MA, addressed the problem by changing its electronic health record software and more directly involving pharmacy staff. The hospital improved patient safety by recognizing more errors on the lists.

Medical Simulators Can Prevent Med Mal Claims

Using medical simulators for obstetrics training can lower the incidence of medical malpractice claims, according to recent research from CRICO/Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Center for Medical Simulation. OB/GYNs who participated in medical simulation training experienced fewer claims in the retrospective analysis. The researchers compared malpractice claim rates for 292 OB/GYNs who were insured by the same company and attended at least one simulation training session over 17 years.