Medical-legal considerations in the practice of allergy: personal reflections on lessons learned from an immunotherapy fatality.
Fatalities after administration of specific allergen immunotherapy are rare occurrences in a general allergy practice, as is medical negligence litigation. The author has experienced both and now relates his personal reflections on the lessons that were learned from the experiences. The twelve lessons that are reviewed encompass observations that are relevant not only to immunotherapy litigation but also to any general medical negligence litigation that one might encounter. Three principles of practice that are specific for allergen immunotherapy administration and that were closely scrutinized during the litigation are also reviewed.
Hallett
Jeffrey S
JS
D000328:Adult; D000486:Allergy and Immunology / Q000193:education / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D007258:Informed Consent; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012308:Risk Management