Preventative aspects of liability in obstetrics and gynecology.
It would be impossible to devise a complete list of "Do's and Don'ts" for the physician to follow in preventing legal involvement. Indeed, such a list, even if considered complete, would not benefit the physician as much as would an overall feel for this whole area of patient interaction. When about to engage in some specific activity, the physician should consult the helpful medical-legal articles in publications that are readily available, e.g., articles on artificial insemination (1, 10), sex therapy (12), and human experimentation (9, 11, 15, 17). The physician must never undertake an action for which he/she does not have the training, the experience, and the emotional security to perform. If complications occur, exact and detailed documentation of the circumstances and the steps taken to correct the complication should be made. All this should be explained to the patient, if she is in a condition to understand, or to relatives. The physician needs to assume a humble attitude, but should not be defensive or make guiltridden admissions. When surgical procedures are undertaken, there should always be adequate pathology to justify the procecure. The physician should avoid pressuring the patient for a quick consent and should avoid statements that might invoke excessively optimistic expectations on the part of the patient (7).
D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007603:Jurisprudence; D008499:Medical Records; D009774:Obstetrics; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014481:United States