title: Adverse events: reducing the risk of litigation.
abstract: How a physician deals with an adverse event, regardless of whether negligence or error played a role, can significantly influence whether medical malpractice litigation results. Honest communication and respect for patient confidentiality are as important in avoiding litigation as the quality of care provided. Clear, careful orders, sound documentation, and greater vigilance at transition points such as hospital admission and discharge help guard against error and litigation if errors occur.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Internal Medicine, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA. correin@ccf.org
authors.forename: Natalie G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Correia
mesh_terms: D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007603:Jurisprudence; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations