Advice on effective communications with patients and managing their expectations to help prevent conflicts in medical practice.
(April 2021)
Physicians regularly encounter patients or family members who behave aggressively and make demands that may be unrealistic and potentially harmful. In their medical practice, physicians need strategies and tools to manage conflict and such challenging behaviours.
(April 2021)
Physicians can take these steps to maintain a safe office environment for their employees.
(April 2021)
Physicians who are familiar with regulatory requirements governing organ and tissue donations can more effectively meet their obligations and mitigate the potential for complaints.
(April 2021)
Professional and ethical obligations to keep in mind when considering offering medical services through online virtual clinics.
(April 2021)
Physicians should use their professional judgment when determining whether a virtual assessment, an in-person assessment, or a hybrid of both is best for individual patients.
(March 2021)
An analysis of CMPA medico-legal cases involving lower extremity joint surgery and the non-technical factors contributing to patient harm and medico-legal risk.
(March 2021)
The CMPA answers members’ medico-legal questions on the implications of deferring patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(March 2021)
Ambulance offload delay results from ED crowding and can present unique medico-legal risks for ED physicians.
(March 2021)
An overview of the different legal protections attaching to different practice arrangements.
(March 2021)
Advice for physicians on providing safe virtual care via telephone and video amid COVID-19.
(March 2021)
When patients make requests for specific care providers, treatments, or services, physicians should assess whether they can reasonably accommodate such requests.
(February 2021)
An overview of obligations and issues for doctors when providing or discussing vaccinations with patients or legal guardians.
(December 2020)
A review of CMPA medical-legal cases and research literature describing the non-technical factors contributing to diagnostic errors by surgeons in hospital operating rooms.
(December 2020)
A discussion of three practical steps physician leaders can take to create psychologically safe environments in their organizations, and deliver highly reliable and safe healthcare.
(December 2020)
Focusing on the follow-up phase of clinical testing for office-based family physicians, this article presents actionable advice based on a review of CMPA legal and College cases.
(December 2020)
An overview of ways in which physicians can use patient decision aids (PDAs) to encourage shared decision-making.
(December 2020)
An overview of issues physicians need to consider when conducting treatment or non-treatment capacity assessments.
(December 2020)
Physicians are advocates for their patients and for healthcare improvements, but this dimension of medical care can be challenging. This article explores what advocacy means and what approaches are most effective and appropriate.
(November 2020)
Care for patients with mental health concerns can be complicated, especially when access to psychiatric expertise is limited. Consider these strategies to address medical-legal risks when managing patients’ mental health needs.
(September 2020)
What can be done to maintain quality care for patients and reduce medical-legal risks for physicians when patients do not heed medical advice.
(July 2020)
Advice for addressing healthcare resource dilemmas, reducing patient harm, and minimizing medical-legal risk amid COVID-19.
(May 2020)
Advice for physicians on the importance of advance care planning, communication, and compliance with legal requirements amid COVID-19.
(May 2020)
This article discusses infections associated with intravenous drug use. These infections are on the rise and can be diagnostically challenging.
(March 2020)
A look at how the legalization of recreational marijuana may affect physicians’ practices, including whether it will eliminate patients’ requests for medical marijuana.
(January 2020)
While acute coronary syndrome is a challenging diagnosis, appropriate patient risk stratification and test management systems contribute to safer care and may lower medical-legal risk for physicians.
(December 2019)
Practical suggestions for disclosure of discrepancies stemming from pathological analysis or diagnostic imaging.
(December 2019)
Survival rates for colorectal cancer may be improved through early detection and diagnosis, and physicians can take steps to help ensure a timely diagnosis.
(December 2019)
Physicians should participate in quality assurance activities such as debriefs and should reduce their medical-legal risks by ensuring the debriefs are properly structured.
(December 2019)
End-of-life treatment decisions can be difficult for both physicians and patients, but many issues can be avoided by following the key concepts outlined.
(November 2019)
Physicians who treat or who are asked to treat transgender individuals should be aware of the ethical and legal considerations in these circumstances to avoid allegations of discrimination.
(October 2019)
Clarity about who is responsible for the care of a patient at any given time improves patient safety and reduces medico-legal risk.
(October 2019)
Physicians working in walk-in clinics face unique challenges and medical-legal risks related to team communication, management of test results, and review of delegated work.
(September 2019)
Physicians can benefit from an early understanding of the potential benefits and challenges that AI brings to patient care, and the possible medical-legal risks associated with using AI technologies.
(September 2019)
An exploration of the role of situation awareness in the timely diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
(September 2019)
Guidance for specialists on their ethical and professional responsibilities in accepting to care for new patients.
(September 2019)
Prescribing to non-resident patients whose primary purpose for coming to Canada is to obtain medication can increase your medical-legal risk.
(August 2019)
Physicians should understand the role of coroners and medical examiners in Canada,
and how and when to provide information to them.
(June 2019)
A review of CMPA medical-legal cases involving spinal surgery performed by a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeon with risk management strategies for all phases of surgical care.
(June 2019)
A description of the impact of overly limited or absent of physical examination on diagnostic error and patient harm using CMPA cases.
(June 2019)
Text messaging offers the potential for improved communication among physicians and healthcare teams, and using it appropriately can mitigate some of the inherent risks of this channel.
(June 2019)
Physicians can successfully manage online ratings using a reasonable and measured approach.
(April 2019)
Limiting patients to one issue per visit can lead to negative perceptions if not communicated with respect and diplomacy.
(April 2019)
Guidance for physicians on assessing whether a chaperone is right for their practice.
(March 2019)
Physicians treating pregnant patients should be knowledgeable about the developments in prenatal testing and the current standards of practice, and be able to communicate testing information so patients can make informed decisions on the future of their pregnancy.
(March 2019)
Physicians should consider encouraging patients to engage in advance care planning and appointing a substitute decision-maker early, before the patient no longer has the capacity to consent to end-of-life care.
(March 2019)
This article offers practical tips and techniques for building a robust system for follow-up of clinical test results that can be applied in both office and hospital practice settings.
(March 2019)
When physicians offer a clinical comment or opinion that will be relied on to care for a patient, they may owe that patient a duty of care—even if they have never met the patient in person.
(January 2019)
The courts expect physicians to provide appropriate care to patients, making effective use of available resources.
(December 2018)
A study of CMPA medical-legal cases examines the risks of prescribing medication to older adults.
(December 2018)
A review of CMPA legal cases involving diagnostic error by physicians working in the emergency department, with risk management strategies for assessing patients.
(December 2018)
Timely diagnosis and treatment depends on obtaining sufficient clinical information, monitoring the situation, and thinking ahead.
(December 2018)
Physicians acting as clinical supervisors play a valuable role in the remediation of physician colleagues and, as members of the CMPA, are eligible for the Association’s assistance if medico-legal difficulties arise.
(December 2018)
Consulting physicians may be expected to provide appropriate advice to referring physicians even when their facility cannot accept the patient.
(November 2018)
The CMPA analyzes members’ calls and medical-legal questions about opioid treatment of patients suffering chronic non-cancer pain.
(September 2018)
The CMPA examined legal cases involving rare but serious complications in airway management and found that situational awareness, adequate preparation, and well-coordinated teams were crucial for patient safety.
(September 2018)
Steps physicians can take to help patients with poor health literacy skills.
(September 2018)
Highlights from CMPA discussion paper “The role of physician leaders in addressing physician disruptive behaviour in healthcare institutions.”
(September 2018)
The increased availability of genetic testing raises a number of medico-legal questions that physicians should consider.
(September 2018)
Accepting and refusing new patients is part of managing a primary care practice, and physicians should be aware of their College’s policies on this matter.
(September 2018)
Physicians can be better prepared to transfer patient health information when they understand who has custody of and access to medical records.
(May 2018)
A review of medical-legal cases involving complications of cholecystectomy.
(May 2018)
Physician leaders may consider using the Framework for Safe, Reliable, and Effective Care when planning and designing highly reliable healthcare delivery systems.
(May 2018)
Considerations for physicians when a prospective patient does not have a health card.
(May 2018)
The CMPA supports quality improvement activities that have the potential to create safer surgical care and decrease adverse events.
(March 2018)
Tips for physicians to help prevent drug diversion and related unlawful prescription activity, and avoid potential medical-legal difficulties.
(March 2018)
Any physician contemplating an investigation or treatment for a woman of reproductive age should consider ruling out pregnancy.
(March 2018)
For many physicians, a regulatory authority (College) complaint is stressful, but can be managed by speaking with the CMPA, assessing the complaint, and responding professionally and respectfully.
(March 2018)
Learnings from a review of CMPA medical-legal cases related to the care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
(March 2018)
Although communication is identified as an underlying issue in the significant 10-year rise in the number of members asking for CMPA help with College complaints, research suggests physicians can improve their interactions with better communication skills.
(March 2018)
Physicians working with medical scribes should be aware of their obligations as an employer, delegator, and supervisor.
(January 2018)
A review of CMPA medical-legal cases involving intra-operative burns, and suggested tactics to help mitigate the risks.
(December 2017)
Physicians, other healthcare professionals, and health system leaders are encouraged to actively seek out patients’ perspectives to improve healthcare planning and delivery.
(December 2017)
Adequate record keeping may help during a billing audit.
(November 2017)
A just patient safety culture promises the provision of higher quality and safer care. Advice is provided to CMPA members on participation in reporting and reviews of adverse events and close calls in hospitals and institutions.
(November 2017)
CMPA cases involving chronic disease indicate that improving the communication skills of healthcare providers can potentially make the medical care safer for patients with chronic illness and may reduce medical-legal risks for healthcare professionals.
(October 2017)
eConsultation and eReferral services can offer exciting benefits, but to use them successfully physicians should know the areas of potential medical-legal risks so they can be avoided.
(September 2017)
Suggested approaches to help avoid difficulties in maternal postpartum care, based on expert opinions in a review of CMPA cases.
(September 2017)
While the challenges facing IMGs can be formidable, resources are available to help.
(August 2017)
Considerations to help prevent and mitigate the damage arising from ransomware attacks to computer systems.
(July 2017)
When asked by patients to interpret or take medical action on direct-to-consumer genetic test results, physicians’ best response is to practise sound medicine and follow the profession’s standards of care.
(June 2017)
Disruptive behaviour in the healthcare workplace can take a toll on co-workers and patients, but conflict may be reduced by using a disarming approach.
(June 2017)
Physicians in their first 5 years of practice are often unfamiliar with the regulations and guidelines of their medical regulatory authority (College) and find themselves in medical-legal difficulties as a result.
(June 2017)
Laparoscopic surgery requires advanced surgical technique, experience with specialized equipment, and dynamic and complex clinical decision-making.
(May 2017)
Online social networks in healthcare provide a means for worldwide collaboration among physicians, but participants should maintain the standards of professionalism expected of the profession.
(April 2017)
The use of a surgical safety checklist should decrease the risk of adverse events and surgical complications by fostering a patient safety mindset and encouraging team communication.
(March 2017)
Physicians should speak with patients about their alternative medicine treatments and, as much as possible, provide guidance on potential negative interactions.
(February 2017)
Physicians wanting to communicate with their patients using patient portals should consider the steps they can take to mitigate risks and ensure that portals are used properly and successfully.
(February 2017)
Physicians can take steps to mitigate the medical-legal risks of patients taking photos and making video and audio recordings during healthcare encounters.
(February 2017)
The quality and safety of obstetrical care can be strengthened when all members of the collaborative care team are fully integrated in the functioning of the unit.
(December 2016)
The management of elder abuse cases is an increasingly important aspect of physicians’ practices, though determining the appropriateness of actions to address suspected abuse can be challenging.
(December 2016)
How physicians can take steps to minimize medical-legal risk when using mobile health applications (mHealth) in their practice.
(December 2016)
Experts in CMPA cases make suggestions on how physicians who work in shifting practice settings can manage risks when providing follow-up care and monitoring medication.
(December 2016)
Wellness strategies and resources for physician residents
(November 2016)
The safe use of opioids in the hospital setting requires strategies to safeguard patients from harm and must involve all healthcare team members.
(September 2016)
The CMPA’s review of medical-legal cases that involved issues with antibiotic prescribing provides insight into opportunities for improvement in the areas of patient assessments, communications, and patient monitoring and follow-up.
(September 2016)
Situational awareness is an essential skill for all healthcare providers, particularly those working in high-risk, continuously evolving clinical environments such as labour and delivery.
(September 2016)
A review of main issues and new trends in medical tourism and how physicians can minimize risks in treating patients who seek medical tourism in Canada and abroad.
(July 2016)
A review of medical-legal cases involving severe hyperbilirubinemia in newborns highlights the need for better understanding of treatment and adherence to published guidelines.
(June 2016)
Medical regulatory authorities are making more information about physicians available to the public. This article provides an overview of this trend, and explains how the CMPA helps members.
(June 2016)
The management of obstetrical emergencies relies on effective teamwork and communication between members of the care team.
(June 2016)
An examination of coordination of care in the ICU and the importance of good communication.
(June 2016)
Physicians can work collaboratively with physician assistants, but should be aware of the potential risks inherent in this working relationship and how these can be managed.
(April 2016)
Patient handovers can be a time of high risk. Patient safety experts recommend various strategies to improve the performance of this task.
(March 2016)
Requirements for consent and other lessons learned related to the use of restraints on patients from a review of CMPA medical-legal cases.
(March 2016)
Protecting the privacy of patient information when using digital communication channels, including email, portals, and social media platforms.
(January 2016)
This article focuses on the main areas of medical-legal risk for otolaryngologists (ENT specialists) based on the CMPA’s case files and on safety measures that can be taken to mitigate those risks.
(December 2015)
Learn how Canadian physicians can meet the care challenges posed by immigrants with a number of specific approaches.
(December 2015)
Physicians in non-surgical disciplines who perform invasive procedures may be exposed to medical-legal risks, though these can be effectively mitigated.
(December 2015)
Meningitis poses a significant risk of death and disability, especially in vulnerable populations. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical.
(December 2015)
Common medico-legal issues for physicians related to the repeated prescription of opioids for patients with pain unrelated to cancer.
(October 2015)
Videoconferencing is a valuable tool in healthcare today, though in-person patient consultations are still necessary in many circumstances. Using videoconferencing appropriately improves safety and reduces risk.
(October 2015)
A review of medico-legal cases related to stroke, outlining some of the challenges in diagnosis and providing suggestions from experts to improve care and reduce risk.
(September 2015)
Missed or delayed diagnosis of a serious medical condition is often related to inadequate assessment and physical examination, cognitive biases, and deficiencies in the system of care.
(September 2015)
Hip or knee arthroplasty can greatly improve quality of life, yet it may also have significant risks.
(September 2015)
Considerations for ending the doctor-patient relationship.
(June 2015)
Early recognition and treatment of sepsis are imperative to prevent patient harm and medico-legal difficulties for physicians.
(June 2015)
Providing medical care to athletes has unique aspects. Physicians doing this work should be aware of potential medico-legal risks and take steps to keep their patients and themselves safe.
(June 2015)
Physicians who reduce or limit their clinical workload to attend to other commitments, for example conducting research or transitioning into retirement, are still obligated to provide patients with continuity of care.
(June 2015)
Physicians can take steps to help prevent abuse of the opioids they prescribe, while improving safety for their patients and reducing their own medico-legal risk.
(June 2015)
After day surgeries, consider if patients are ready for discharge, require accompaniment on leaving the facility, and have sufficient discharge and follow-up instructions.
(June 2015)
Strategies for successfully implementing changes in medical practice aimed at improving the quality and safety of care.
(May 2015)
This article discusses the culture of safety and describes system-level strategies for safe care.
(May 2015)
Healthcare safety improvements are contingent on identifying and mitigating risks both at the system and individual levels, and physicians should be aware of such risks in their practice
(May 2015)
Drawing on the expertise of numerous organizations and resources dedicated to improving healthcare safety, healthcare providers can make changes to care practices and reduce the potential of harming patients.
(May 2015)
Increasingly medical education is focusing on physician competencies that address safe patient care and that enable more accurate assessment of performance.
(May 2015)
How to enhance safety and overall outcomes when treating patients with chronic diseases, while reducing the exposure to medico-legal risks.
(April 2015)
An analysis of recent CMPA cases highlighting the medico-legal risks associated with surgical ureteric injury.
(March 2015)
Physicians can take specific actions to support patients’ engagement in their healthcare.
(March 2015)
Tips to assist physicians in communicating effectively with patients and their families when a patient’s prognosis is terminal.
(March 2015)
A review of hospital-based patient safety incidents and common reasons leading to them.
(March 2015)
Physicians’ office staff can contribute to safe care for patients and reduce medico-legal risk. This article reviews several issues identified in the CMPA medico-legal files and provides suggestions on reducing risk.
(March 2015)
Physicians practising telemedicine across Canadian provincial or territorial boundaries should be familiar with the applicable licencing and regulatory requirements in their own jurisdiction and in their patients’ jurisdiction.
(March 2015)
Physicians can take steps to avoid conflicts of interest that can arise when dealing with commercial interests.
(January 2015)
A review of medico-legal cases involving healthcare-associated infection, and risk reduction strategies to consider.
(December 2014)
Diagnostic assessment issues related to back pain, based on the experience of CMPA members.
(December 2014)
Misidentifying a patient is a risk and can result in harm.
(December 2014)
Adequate discharge strategies to help reduce the risk of unplanned hospital readmissions, unfavourable patient outcomes, and medico-legal problems for physicians.
(December 2014)
Strategies to help mitigate risks for physicians who work night shifts.
(October 2014)
The potential future impacts of social media usage on physicians’ practices.
(October 2014)
When patients suffer harm from healthcare delivery, physicians will want to disclose the incident to the patient, and if the media become interested, then prepare appropriately.
(October 2014)
Physicians should be aware of the pros and cons of social media and the risks of participating.
(October 2014)
Advice for physicians facing journalists or negative news coverage.
(October 2014)
Advice for physicians acting as media spokespersons
(October 2014)
Tips to help physicians participate appropriately in using social media.
(October 2014)
When a patient seeks a second opinion about a diagnosis or treatment plan, the other viewpoint will confirm, modify, or offer alternatives to the initial one, and ultimately the patient is free to decide.
(September 2014)
Highlights of medico-legal issues associated with anaesthesia and analgesia administered by anesthesiologists for surgery and during labour and delivery.
(September 2014)
Physicians can successfully manage online ratings using a reasonable and measured approach.
(September 2014)
Considerations when determining a patient’s need for a medical test or procedure.
(September 2014)
An examination of medico-legal risks with fetal heart monitoring in the antepartum and intrapartum periods.
(September 2014)
Physicians have an obligation to protect patient information and can take steps to help prevent privacy breaches associated with sending and receiving faxes.
(July 2014)
Measures for reducing medico-legal risk in the diagnosis of traumatic compartment syndromes of the lower limb, based on 5 years of CMPA members’ experience.
(June 2014)
Physicians can help contribute to quality of care in long-term care facilities by being mindful of communication issues, coordination of care (including medication reconciliation and management), consent to treatment, advance directives, and regulatory requirements.
(June 2014)
Effective communication and awareness of legal requirements are key to obtaining consent for treatment of children.
(May 2014)
This article explores the role of physicians in promoting the exchange of information and active decision-making by patients. It also examines the relationship between decision-making and consent.
(April 2014)
Appropriately obtaining, interpreting, documenting, reassessing, and acting on vital signs are important parts of medical care.
(March 2014)
This article discusses what physicians can do to deliver culturally competent and culturally safe medical care.
(March 2014)
How to better manage the risk of patient harm, adverse birth outcome, and potential medico-legal problems associated with the administration of oxytocin during labour.
(March 2014)
By communicating effectively with pharmacists, physicians can improve patients’ drug therapy and provide safer care.
(February 2014)
When working with nurse practitioners, physicians should understand the scope, responsibilities, and accountabilities of these independent healthcare providers, and should communicate clearly and in a timely manner.
(January 2014)
Physicians should carefully reassess patients who return with symptoms that are not resolving as expected or are worsening.
(September 2013)
A review of CMPA medico-legal cases involving feeding tube placement identifies clinical situations of higher risk that can affect patients and physicians.
(June 2013)
Physicians should expect that at some time they will have to manage a medical emergency in their office or clinic. Planning, preparation, and practice are key steps in mounting an effective response for both patients, and physicians and their staff.
(January 2013)
An analysis of the CMPA’s pediatric medicolegal cases identified a
number of common factors that resulted in poor clinical outcomes.
(December 2012)
Assisting prospective parents seeking to adopt a child from abroad can pose challenges for physicians, particularly when they are asked to assess a child’s condition without a physical examination or to prescribe medication for a child with whom they do not have a doctor-patient relationship.
(December 2012)
Physician leadership and participation are essential for successful quality improvement efforts in healthcare.
(December 2012)
A review of medico-legal problems associated with hernia repairs in the preoperative, intra-operative, and post-operative stages.
(December 2012)
Effective management of test results and diagnostic imaging reports in a hospital setting can improve patient safety and mitigate risks.
(December 2012)
Clarity about who is responsible for the care of a patient at any given time improves patient safety and reduces medico-legal risk.
(December 2012)
Physicians assume key responsibilities in healthcare including the provision of much needed medical care, research into new treatments, teaching the future generation of doctors, and managing healthcare facilities, centres, or clinics.
(October 2012)
As healthcare delivery relies increasingly on integrated or collaborative care, a growing number of physicians are working in teams composed of physicians and other healthcare professionals.
(October 2012)
Trust, loyalty, and honesty are the foundations of a good doctor-patient relationship and of professionalism in the practice of medicine.
(October 2012)
Medico-legal issues for ophthalmologists related to the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative periods of cataract surgery.
(September 2012)
A review of medico-legal cases concerning diagnosis and management of skin cancer.
(September 2012)
Strategies to reduce medico-legal risk when prescribing medications or using medical devices outside of their licensed indications.
(September 2012)
As the healthcare environment continues to change, physicians remain committed to quality patient care, while keeping in mind accompanying risk management considerations.
(September 2012)
Physicians considering various arrangements for practising medicine, other than the privileges-based model, need to consider any medico-legal implications.
(September 2012)
Engaged and empowered patients take an active role in managing their healthcare, and physicians must be aware of the medico-legal implications.
(August 2012)
A review of the medico-legal issues with bariatric surgery in the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative periods
(June 2012)
Risk management lessons from a review of medico-legal cases related to venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.
(June 2012)
Risk management suggestions related to verbal and written communication in the trauma setting and when resources are limited.
(June 2012)
Physicians should learn about the benefits and medico-legal risks of each new information technology platform before considering using these web-based tools
(June 2012)
Risk management suggestions from an analysis of medico-legal cases related to the diagnosis of trauma patients.
(April 2012)
Canadian physicians can take steps to ensure continuity of care for patients engaged in medical tourism, and avoid medico-legal risk.
(April 2012)
A review of medico-legal problems related to malfunctions, improper use, and deficiencies in training and supervision when using medical or surgical equipment.
(March 2012)
If physicians have reason to believe a child is in need of protection, they are responsible for informing the appropriate authority in a timely manner. Planning what to say to the family is important.
(March 2012)
Physicians should be prepared to respond to patient enquiries about complementary and alternative medicine and natural health products.
(March 2012)
As the Canadian population ages, physicians may need to adjust their practices to better meet the needs and expectations of older adults and avoid potential medico-legal risks.
(March 2012)
A review of a five-year period of medico-legal files related to infectious endocarditis.
(December 2011)
Changes in the relationship between physicians and hospitals may have medico-legal implications that could lead to difficulties for physicians, institutions, and patients. Recommendations to address these implications are identified.
(September 2011)
In legal proceedings where courts are determining if the care provided met the standard of care, authoritative clinical practice guidelines may be considered as one piece of evidence.
(September 2011)
There are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of patient dissatisfaction with Independent Medical Evaluation.
(July 2011)
A review of medico-legal problems related to prescribing and monitoring medications for older patients.
(June 2011)
A discussion of how physicians can improve their inter-professional communication skills, leading to better care for patients and reduced medico-legal risks for physicians.
(June 2011)
A discussion on how members can help meet the clinical, emotional and informational needs of patients after large scale adverse events.
(June 2011)
There is growing evidence that effectively managing the results of test and diagnostic imaging reports improves patient safety.
(May 2011)
Most physicians agree that clinical practice guidelines (CPG) can improve the quality of clinical care. In a legal case, however, a court may place more weight on the standard of care of a "prudent colleague" than on a CPG.
(March 2011)
Responsibilities of physicians when planning to close or leave a practice due to retirement, illness, or other reasons.
(March 2011)
A discussion of how physicians can improve their inter-professional communication skills, leading to better care for patients and reduced medico-legal risks for physicians.
(March 2011)
Physician-patient
communication is a critical
aspect of effective care that
may be enhanced with these
suggested approaches.
(December 2010)
Suggestions to reduce risk and optimize the timely diagnosis of lung cancer.
(September 2010)
A review of some of the medico-legal risks related to the use of medical directives in emergency departments, and patients who LWBS by a physician or sign out AMA.
(September 2010)
A just culture of patient safety promises better quality and safer care. This article explores protected quality improvement reviews and discusses the benefits of learning from adverse events to limit the likelihood of their reoccurrence.
(June 2010)
Potential liability issues for physicians working with independent health care professionals, and steps to mitigate those risks.
(February 2010)
Intoxicated patients pose special risks in the emergency department because of their behaviour, and the difficulty of adequate assessment and treatment.
(December 2009)
It is well recognized that health care providers continuously strive to ensure the best possible clinical outcomes for their patients. They do so cognizant that no one individual or system can ever fully eliminate the risk and occurrence of adverse events
(July 2009)
Delays in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancies may lead to poor patient outcomes and medico-legal difficulties for physicians.
(June 2009)
Clear communication among patients, referring physicians, technicians and radiologists, as well as attention to details in follow-up, will permit optimal outcomes from screening programs for breast cancer.
(April 2009)
Issues to consider when discussing vaccination with patients.
(January 2009)
Hyponatremia may occur during rehydration or with maintenance fluids, and can have serious adverse effects, including neurologic impairment and death.
(December 2008)
Appropriate use of aminoglycosides requires awareness of the potential side effects and their symptoms.
(June 2008)
A study examining the medico-legal risks of airway management by anaethesiologists from 1993 — 2003.
(May 2008)
Physicians can rely on hospital staff to carry out their own functions but are also expected to exercise appropriate caution.
(March 2008)
Although spinal epidural abscess is rare and difficult to diagnose, it can have serious consequences for patients. CMPA experience has been reviewed.
(March 2008)
Clinical care is increasingly provided by collaborative teams with the promise of better outcomes for patients. This document identifies potential medico-legal risks in collaborative care and proposes solutions to lessen those risks for patients and providers.
(January 2008)
Certain practice management issues arise when a physician dies, and should be considered as part of estate planning.
(December 2007)
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this learning material is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific professional medical or legal advice, nor to constitute a "standard of care" for Canadian healthcare professionals. The use of CMPA learning resources is subject to the foregoing as well as the CMPA's Terms of Use.
