Strategies for risk management in cancer nursing

In the current social and legal climate, nurses are increasingly subject to litigation charging professional negligence. A higher professional standing for nursing and a larger role in the decision-making aspects of health care have helped to effect this revolution. There are inherent risks in providing health care that are intensified by the rapid growth in medical technology and complex treatment. Claims brought against nurses have been categorized in studies, and primary causes of patient injury in the healthcare facility are also identified. Using these and other data, areas within cancer nursing that predispose to the risk of increased liability can be anticipated. Issues that are unique to the acute care, ambulatory, or homecare setting in oncology are described. Risk management is a mechanism that addresses the prevention and control of financial loss resulting from claims of negligence. Using risk management concepts, strategies are developed to help the cancer nurse recognize intrinsic dangers and reduce the potential for liability.