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RiskManagement Consult
Informed Consent
Overview
The single most common issue associated with malpractice claims against all surgical specialists is the allegation that the physician failed to obtain informed consent. According to statistics compiled by the Physician Insurers Association of America (PIAA), a consortium of over 50 physician- and dentist-owned malpractice carriers, about 15 percent of all claims against surgeons involve informed consent issues, and about one-third of these claims are closed with a payment to the patient, either through jury awards or out-of-court settlements.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, a physician should be able to:
1. Outline the information that must be shared with the patient to obtain informed consent.
2. Explain the physician’s nondelegable duties in obtaining informed consent.
3. Describe proper techniques for documenting the patient education and informed consent processes.
4. Explain what “informed refusal” is, and your duty when the patient refuses recommended care.
5. Define the term “ghost surgery,” and describe common situations in which a surgeon may unwittingly engage in such practices.
6. Explain the difference between reassuring the patient and making an implied warranty.
7. Describe steps for making sure that your patient’s expectations of treatment are realistic.
Target Audience
This course is designed for physicians who want to reduce their liability and improve patient safety by ensuring that patients understand and can take part in their treatment plan.
Methodology
This is a self-study course consisting of text and CME test. Physicians should read the course content, answer the test questions and submit the answers for scoring. Those who complete the course with a score of 80 percent or higher will earn a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 creditsTM.
Faculty/Author
This course was developed by Rosemary Gafner, Ed.D. Dr. Gafner’s CV is available on request or online at https://www.medrisk.com/Medrisk/Faculty/CV/default.aspx.
CME Information
Medical Risk Management, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education for physicians. Medical Risk Management, Inc.designates this continuing medical education activity for a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 creditsTM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity is valid for release May 1, 2007 and expires on April 30, 2010.
Commercial Support
This activity was developed solely by Medical Risk Management, Inc. without any outside commercial support.
 Please check with your insurance carrier for approved courses before registering. Courses not approved by your insurance carrier will not be accepted by them for any discounts they may offer.
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