Legal Implications of Medical Errors, Initiatives & Strategies for Patient Safety - The Road Ahead

Shriya Sharma, MBBS, Division of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant, Mayo Clinic

Rohan Goswami, MD, Director of Heart Transplant Innovation and Research, Mayo Clinic

The importance of the patient-provider relationship:

The medical profession is widely recognized as one of the most honorable and esteemed occupations across the globe. Its primary purpose is to provide valuable and selfless assistance to humanity. Doctors can alter the course of a patient’s life if they are careful, sincere, efficient, and skilled. However, nowadays, the relationship between providers and patients has become less personal and more formal. Providers are no longer seen as perfect and unquestionable. It is undeniable that humans are prone to making mistakes, and when such errors occur in the medical field, they can have serious and far-reaching consequences. In many instances, these mistakes stem from a combination of minor mishaps and various circumstances that converge – leading to potential catastrophe for the patient. At any point along this chain of events, there is a potential to intervene and prevent a catastrophe. However, if no intervention occurs, the situation may become disastrous. Providers involved in cases of medical negligence can potentially ruin their career and practice potential.   The patient-provider relationship, if maintained, builds trust and allows for that trust to decrease the risk of litigation if such errors are maintained.  Many patients after medical issues occur who feel connected, heard, and supported by their provider do not choose to consider legal action - given their feeling of good intention overpowering the complications that occurred from lack of oversight.

How does a positive doctor-patient relationship mitigate medicolegal issues?

While most providers aim to establish a positive relationship with patients, it is concerning that nearly two-thirds of physicians aged 55 and older in the United States have faced at least one lawsuit throughout their professional journey.  Patients initiate lawsuits because they perceive that their concerns are ignored, their needs were neglected, and a lack of care was demonstrated, leading to unfavorable outcomes. When providers and patients have a solid relationship built on open communication, collaborative decision-making, and realistic expectations, both parties can have a positive healthcare experience.

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