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Hospital and medical care for the special patient: minimizing malpractice while improving service
The Medical Malpractice Cost Containment Journal
|September 9, 1979
Insights
Individuals with disabilities face unique challenges in healthcare settings. Poor medical practices and communication increase malpractice risks for healthcare providers serving these patients.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Safety
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Individuals with physical, emotional, or other handicaps present unique challenges in healthcare.
- These challenges are particularly pronounced during the early years of life.
- Healthcare providers and institutions face heightened risks when managing patients with disabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the special considerations required for patients with disabilities.
- To identify factors contributing to increased malpractice risks in this patient population.
- To emphasize the importance of adequate medical practice and communication.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on healthcare for disabled individuals.
- Analysis of malpractice case data involving patients with disabilities.
- Expert consultation on best practices in patient care and communication.
Main Results:
- Poor medical practices and communication significantly elevate malpractice risks.
- Hospitals and healthcare professionals face greater liability with disabled patients.
- Early intervention and specialized care are crucial for mitigating risks.
Conclusions:
- Improved medical practices and communication are essential for reducing malpractice claims.
- Healthcare systems must adapt to provide specialized, effective care for disabled individuals.
- Addressing the unique needs of disabled patients enhances patient safety and reduces professional risk.
Abstract:
The physically, emotionally, or otherwise handicapped child or adult presents special problems to physicians, hospitals and health workers--especially in the early years. Poor medical practice and lack of communication expose hospitals and professionals to greater malpractice risks when dealing with these patients than encountered with average patients.