Safety Net

In late 2023, the Academic Medical Center Patient Safety Organization issued an advisory noting a spike in reports of retained surgical items. A retained surgical item is patient safety lingo for when the surgical team leaves something like a sponge or a tool inside the patient after surgery. These events may lead to serious harm, such as sepsis, prolonged hospitalization, the need for subsequent surgery, or death.

The topline data from Candello claims analysis do not show an increase in malpractice corresponding to the increased use of APPs. In fact, the claims rate may be declining, adjusting for practice population increases.

A former doctor defendant found meaning after the ordeal despite her lack of preparation or role models. Dr. Gita Pensa, an emergency medicine physician, made it her professional focus to help other physicians through to the other side of the litigation journey.

The boarding of critical care patients in the emergency department is an increasing concern because ICUs are often also too full to take them.

Healthcare providers are facing new threats from online attacks that require new strategies to limit liability, harm to patients, and revenue loss. In spring of 2023, the Academic Medical Center Patient Safety Organization (AMC PSO), issued an updated Patient Safety Alert: Cyber Security and Recovery, available on the CRICO web site.