Although poor communication is the root cause of medical malpractice claims, in cases of medical error, apologies reduce litigation and benefit patients.
AMA J Ethics. 2017;19(3):289-295. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2017.19.3.hlaw1-1703.
Monitoring surgeons’ capacities over time are rooted in professional duties to protect patients’ safety. Aging surgeons should undergo assessments and be encouraged to stop practicing before their diminished skill becomes too risky.
AMA J Ethics. 2016;18(10):986-992. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2016.18.10.ecas2-1610.
Cytopathologists frequently interact directly with patients at their bedsides to perform fine needle aspiration procedures. When, if ever, should cytopathologists share preliminary diagnostic impressions directly with patients?
AMA J Ethics. 2016;18(8):779-785. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2016.18.8.ecas3-1608.
Expedited partner therapy is an ethical and effective treatment for sexually transmitted infection, provided patients are reliable messengers to partners.
AMA J Ethics. 2016;18(3):215-228. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2016.18.3.ecas3-1603.
Barry DeCoster, PhD and Lisa Campo-Engelstein, PhD
Expedited partner therapy is an ethical and effective treatment for sexually transmitted infection, provided patients are reliable messengers to partners.
AMA J Ethics. 2016;18(3):215-228. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2016.18.3.ecas3-1603.
Language barriers that affect medical care may have legal consequences. The areas of legal concern for doctors are medical malpractice, informed consent, duty to warn, and patients' privacy rights.