This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was originally written by Penny Greenberg, MS, RN, CPPS, CRICO Strategies. Description A 62-year-old male with a history of respiratory problems died two days after knee replacement surgery. Key Lessons Clearing patients for elective surgery requires a clear understanding and assessment of co-morbidities and atypical risks. Post-op discharge needs to reflect any complications or changes in status triggered by the procedure. Clinical Sequence Prior to a total knee arthroplasty, a 62-year-old obese male with a history of osteoarthritis, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and sleep apnea saw his primary...
This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was originally written by Maureen Burns-Johnson, BSN, RN. Description A 46-year-old female died from ovarian and metastatic colon cancer two years after presenting to her PCP with a five-week history of constipation and rectal bleeding—symptoms that continued across several visits over a year and a half before she was diagnosed. Key Lessons A narrow diagnostic focus can contribute to delay in ordering necessary tests. Using algorithms, guidelines, decision, or support tools can lead to a more timely colon visualization or referral. Specialty practices need scheduling systems...
A slip in protocol leads to a patient fall and a tragic outcome
This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was originally written by Lisa Heard, MSN, RN, CGRN, CPHQ, CRICO. Description A patient, with a known falls risk, fell during a radiology exam and died from her injuries. Key Lessons Critical information about a patient’s risk status must be transferred during a transition of care. Training that demonstrates the risks of not following certain policies may prevent dangerous deviations. Clinical Sequence A 55-year-old female with multiple co-morbidities (hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and on dialysis for end-stage renal disease) was admitted to the hospital with a...
Medical directorships: legal risks and liability considerations for physicians
Medical directorships can offer physicians meaningful leadership opportunities within healthcare organizations. These roles often involve oversight of clinical care, staffing, policies, and other administrative responsibilities within a facility or organization. However, physicians may underestimate the potential liability associated with serving as a medical director. Some assume their exposure will be minimal if a claim for substandard care is brought against the facility. In reality, medical directors may still be named in litigation and face personal financial risk, even when a contract includes indemnification language. This article outlines several legal and liability considerations physicians should understand when serving in a medical directorship role. It concludes...
Declining trust in healthcare: what it means for you as a clinician
Trust has long been a cornerstone of effective medical care. Patients who trust their clinicians are more likely to follow treatment plans, seek preventive care, and communicate openly. Yet national data show that public trust in healthcare, and in physicians specifically, has declined in recent years, creating new challenges at the point of care. While most patients still trust their own doctor, clinicians are increasingly encountering skepticism, misinformation, and hesitation that can complicate even routine clinical interactions. What the data shows Multiple national surveys confirm a measurable decline in trust in physicians and health information sources: The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reports that trust in one’s own doctor to...
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