Synopsis
Risk management is now a major issue in health care, aimed at reducing the likelihood of harming patients during treatment, minimizing trauma to those who are affected, and controlling the possibility of subsequent litigation. This work addresses the means of improving the quality of care, and places special emphasis on occasions when patients may be harmed or disturbed by treatment. In three sections it provides a guide to: the principles of risk management; reducing the risk in clinical practice; and implementing risk management. The last section includes chapters on investigation of complaints; caring for patients; and supporting staff and claims management. The book should provide all the information needed by risk managers, hospital managers, doctors and nurses to recognize potential clinical risks and deal in the optimum way with any claims that may arise. It should also be of interest to lawyers and academics concerned with the impact of litigation on clinical practice.
