Improving communication among team members is also essential, according toDr. Hardeep Singh, chief of the health policy and quality and informatics program at the Houston VA Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety.
Dr. Singh was the lead author of a study last August in Health Affairs that examined causes of diagnostic delays. Top reasons included poor teamwork, miscommunication, and lack of care coordination (Health Aff. 2013;32:1368-75).
"People underestimate the importance of responsibility diffusion," he said. "We really need to be clear on who’s going to follow-up."
Physicians must also alert the state and their insurer of any changes to their supervision status, whether it’s overseeing more providers or no longer supervising, Mr. O’Neil said. He added that if a physician fails to inform a carrier of a change, the doctor may not be covered against certain claims.
Considering risk management steps early reduces malpractice dangers and ensures health care teams operate successfully, Mr. Indest said.
"After the mishap occurs, [it] may be too late to prevent fault ... just as with any accident or error," he said. "Being proactive and taking measures to prevent liability ahead of time is much more effective."