Malpractice Case Studies
Occasionally, I'll post some case studies on my website and in my blog to challenge you and encourage you think systemically. Here's a great example:
A fifty year-old woman was seen by her General Practitioner for indigestion and intermittent pain in her epigastrium. The doctor obtained an upper GI series revealing a hiatus hernia which he felt explained her symptoms. Antacids and sleeping in a "propped up" position decreased her symptoms.
After two to three months her pain returned and radiated to her back. She had lost 10 pounds which she attributed to dietary intolerance. Her doctor obtained a cholecystogram which revealed gallstones. The patient was then started on anti-cholinergics which improved her symptoms. She was informed that she would probably require a cholecystectomy.
One month later the patient returned jaundiced and having lost 5 more pounds. A general surgeon obtained an MRI which revealed a cancer of the pancreas which was found to be inoperable.
- What pitfalls are illustrated by this case?
- How might they be avoided?
- What non-medical extraneous factors might have contributed to this situation?
- What will be the allegations against the doctor or the theory of the case?
For answers to this or any prior case study, please email me and I'll personally review your responses. To email me, click here.
The initial contact with the patient is usually through your receptionist. This employee should be well-coached as to the limitations on information that can be conveyed. An example of this might be: avoid discussing aspects of a procedure that would be better left to you, as the physician.
