Strategies for Patient Safety — Data-driven Priorities in Ambulatory Care

As healthcare moves rapidly from hospitals to ambulatory settings, with a projected 5% growth by 2030, a critical challenge has emerged: ensuring patient safety keeps pace with convenience. While outpatient care is often more cost-effective, data shows that nearly 49% of malpractice claims now originate in these settings.

Where are the risks?

The “outpatient revolution” faces three primary hurdles that can lead to severe clinical outcomes:

• Diagnostic Errors: Errors in processing, patient assessment and lab ordering remain the top concerns, particularly regarding cancer and cardiovascular disease.
• Ambulatory Surgical Procedures: Technical performance issues and patient selection are the leading drivers of claims in ambulatory surgery.
• Medication Errors: While only 7% of malpractice cases, studies suggest up to 64% of outpatient charts may contain potential adverse drug events.

From Awareness to Action

To bridge the safety gap, the industry is turning toward three high-impact interventions:

1. Ambulatory Safety Nets (ASNs): Tracking systems that ensure abnormal test results do not fall through the cracks.
2. Structured Teamwork: Utilizing frameworks like TeamSTEPPS to improve communication and reduce fragmentation.
3. Patient Journey Mapping: A pragmatic approach to identifying friction points, from scheduling delays to care transitions.

Learn more on how to protect your organization from liability risks in the ambulatory setting here.

MLMIC policyholders can contact our risk management department regarding risks in the ambulatory care setting by submitting a question here. 

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This document is for general purposes only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. This document is not comprehensive and does not cover all possible factual circumstances.

Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors for any questions related to legal, medical or professional obligations, the applicable state or federal laws or other professional questions.