Preventing Malpractice » (1st Edition)

Leaman, Thomas L., MD (Pennsylvania State Univ); Saxton, James W. (Barley, Snyder, Senft and Cohen)

It is possible to increase cost-effectiveness and lower the risk of lawsuits while improving patient care and office morale. In this revolutionary work, the authors, a seasoned primary care physician and an experienced defense attorney, detail risk management techniques and introduce the concept of co-active medicine. Their book will provide practical guidance for all primary care physicians, and will serve as an invaluable resource for risk management consultants and malpractice attorneys.

Max Douglas Brown

The authors, a family physician and a malpractice attorney, present a detailed risk management strategy for adoption by physicians to reduce medical malpractice claims. This approach, which they term ""the co-active solution"" emphasizes a partnership role between doctors and their patients and stresses the importance of communication and documentation. "" The book is intended and serves as a practical guide to primary care physicians as to how to weave time-effective and cost-effective risk management principles into their daily practice. First-hand, personal experiences of the authors are frequently used to illustrate their points. Although the book is directed to primary care physicians, it is an excellent resource for specialty care physicians, nurses, risk managers, practice managers, and hospital administrators. This book contains a number of interesting and helpful features. Most notable is a four-chapter summary of the litigation process presented in layman's terms. Each of the fifteen chapters begins with a humorous anecdotal saying and concludes with a brief summary of essential points covered. Tables on malpractice actions appear throughout the book. A number of easy-to-use forms are duplicated in their entirety. The book is well indexed and references are provided. The final chapter provides a short but useful introduction to ethical decision making . This book should be required reading for every student graduating from medical school and for any doctor who has been sued. It offers practical and wise advice on prevention of malpractice lawsuits, recognition of risks (which patients will sue), and preparation for depositions and trial testimony. It is written in anonlegalistic, nondefensive tone and offers positive steps toward providing improved patient care. It is a remarkable educational resource.