Patient follow-up: the scope of the duty, the impact of tort law reform and practical suggestions to comply with legal requirements.
The exercise of reasonable care and skill by a medical practitioner may give rise to an obligation to follow up a patient after a consultation or procedure. That obligation cannot always be discharged by passing the burden onto the patient, for instance, by advising the patient to return for a further consultation. The few cases that have addressed the issue in Australia have clearly placed a heavier burden on the medical profession to implement effective follow-up procedures. This article addresses the scope of the duty and makes practical recommendations to assist the medical profession in addressing its legal responsibilities.
Ellis
Matthew
M
matthew.ellis@deacons.com.au
D001315:Australia; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D033161:Government Regulation; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007603:Jurisprudence; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice