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Prepare in advance to avoid patient harm and liability exposure

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Keeping the patient's best interests in mind and communicating honestly are among the keys to reducing the likelihood of a medical malpractice lawsuit or keeping a suit defensible.

Tamara R. Fountain

"Ophthalmologists who face unanticipated clinical situations will be able to initially act in ways that provide care in the patient's best interest, reduce the likelihood of a medical malpractice lawsuit, and maintain ethical and professional standards," Tamara R. Fountain, MD, said at the annual Women in Ophthalmology meeting.

Dr. Fountain is a frequent lecturer on medical ethics as a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Ethics Committee. She also serves on the board of directors of Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company.

Dr. Fountain said that some other ways to prevent lawsuits include calling the risk manager of your carrier, documenting throughout the clinical course, engaging the patient in ongoing care and finding ways to prevent recurrence.

Furthermore, do not blame colleagues or fabricate reasons for treatment errors, she advised.