[Basic principles of risk management in medical practice].
I explain the basic principles of risk management in medical practice. It is most important to understand the different meanings of the following four terms: risk, danger, crisis, and hazard. The word "risk" comes from Latin, and means food necessary to live today and tomorrow. Both medical practitioners and patients need to get over the risk in the process of diagnosis and treatment. The word "danger" means something which can harm us. It is better not to provoke such dangerous things. The word "crisis" comes from Greek, and signifies a turning point meaning life or death. Decision making is the most important at this critical point. The word "hazard" comes from old French for a game of dice. It may lead to an accident in some situations. The social welfare system has continually deteriorated in Japan. We must provide medical services in unsafe circumstances. Medical practitioners promise to do their best, but cannot guarantee a favorable outcome. It is very important to communicate with patients and family members. Doctors and nurses may experience problems with patients and their families. When problems occur regarding a patient, the management of the hospital must support the staff members concerned.
Funabashi Municipal Medical Center, Funabashi 273-8588, Japan. h.karasawa@mmc.funabashi.chiba.jp
Hideharu
H
Karasawa
D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D010338:Pathology, Clinical; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012308:Risk Management