How will COVID-19 influence the way juries perceive medical malpractice defendants? Simply put, it’s complicated.
According to new research about juror beliefs and attitudes related to the pandemic, it’s a mistake to lean too heavily on the “halo effect”—a boost in general goodwill toward medical professionals during COVID-19—as a legal defense strategy.
COVID-19 delivered a shock to the U.S. healthcare system that will change it forever.
The array of disruptions has been staggering, including:
The headlines can be startling:
"Alleged failure to diagnose pneumonia results in a bilateral below-the-knee amputation.”
“Alleged failure to communicate pathology report addendum to surgeon resulting in death of married male.”
“Alleged negligent use of electrocautery during surgery ignites fire, resulting in burns to the face and neck of patient.”
The following is an excerpt of an article originally published May 8, 2020. You can access the full article at https://bit.ly/36fih62
Many predict that one lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be expanded use of telehealth. As more patients and providers come to appreciate the convenience of virtual home visits, the traditional office visit will become the exception, not the rule. Right?
Q&A with Our HR Hero BLR Expert Celeste Duke
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES EMPLOYERS HAVE FACED IN BRINGING THEIR EMPLOYEES BACK INTO THE WORKPLACE?
As employers bring their employees back to the workplace, they’re facing a dual challenge: new legal issues, and employees who are experiencing increasing anxiety and burnout.
The world of legal process, including medical malpractice litigation, is not known for being particularly swift. Yet in the wake of COVID-19, medical malpractice professionals say the industry’s reaction has been remarkably quick and thorough. Here, four experts in medical malpractice discuss how COVID-19 is shifting, shaping, and yes—even advancing the field.
HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASES DIFFERENTLY THAN OTHER TYPES OF LITIGATION?
MODULAR PRIMER
Introduction to Telehealth (0.75)
Source: Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)
This modular, telehealth primer is relevant to the Pacific Northwest area and includes statistics from OHSU's telehealth program implementation. By the end of this lesson, viewers should be able to:
Since state requirements vary, it is important to know the regulatory requirements for your state(s) of practice, as well as for the state of residency for your patient. It is standard practice to obtain written patient consent for medical care. For telehealth, informed consent should include patient education about telehealth and how it differs from an in-person visit.
It’s not something anyone wants to admit. Being unprepared, that is.
Especially when it could put patient information at risk, incur enormous fines, and perhaps result in legal fallout and loss of credibility in the community. But many clinics and hospitals are in the same situation—and perhaps could use some help.
