Medical Malpractice Insurance News

In an effort to mitigate the dual impact of COVID-19 and the seasonal flu, vaccine manufacturers are increasing influenza vaccine production by 10 percent this year.

New findings on vaping-related rehospitalizations and deaths have prompted the CDC to develop recommendations for outpatient follow-up during the first 48 hours post-hospitalization.

The teach-back method can help physicians ensure that patients have a clear understanding of post-visit instructions.

Researchers have found that study participants exposed to shared decision-making reported “higher trust, rated their physicians more highly and were less likely to fault their physicians for the adverse outcome compared with those exposed to no decision-making.”

CDC research indicates that inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory conditions is highest in the Urgent Care Setting at 45.7% and second highest in the Emergency Department at 24.6%. Taking the time to educate patients in these settings regarding the difference between a viral illness that does not require antibiotics and a bacterial infection is a key to managing this issue.

The readmission reduction efforts outlined by Becker’s not only improve patient care but also make sense as part of a hospital’s proactive risk management strategy.

A recent report, published in the Journal of Toxicology, found that people in the United States are making errors in dosing medications at home. Healthcare providers should be cognizant of the need for patient and caregiver education in the proper administration of both prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

A recent study showed a significant increase in patients’ proper use of pre-operative medications when they were provided with simple written instructions.

Hand hygiene for healthcare professionals and staff in hospitals and other healthcare facilities is a valuable strategy to reduce the spread of infection. But what about patients’ hand hygiene?

It is likely that a physician’s risk of liability is increased when a patient chooses not to seek care primarily due to cost.