Learn about Preventing Errors in Preoperative Clearance

Primary care providers (PCPs) routinely manage complex elderly patients with multiple comorbidities who require elective surgery, but errors can occur when providers are rushed, there is a lack of effective interoffice communication, or the patient has low health literacy. Communication and care coordination issues are commonly noted among PCPs and consulting specialists. 

The Doctors Company, the ACS’s member benefit medical liability insurance program provider, analyzed closed claims where PCPs were held responsible for failures in surgical mismanagement, specifically preoperative clearance, and offers a complimentary, on-demand webinar to highlight the contributing factors identified in malpractice claims involving medical clearance and provide practice strategies for reducing liability risk.

Learning objectives for the webinar participants include the ability to: 

1. Identify the population of patients in my practice at elevated risk for complications during the surgical process of care
2. Identify patient communication deficits in my practice
3. Develop a practice policy for preop medical clearance, including medical optimization, surgical risk assessment, appropriate patient education, and direct communication with consulting providers
4. Incorporate the use of effective communication tools to reduce the risk of patient harm for patients at high risk of complications during surgical process of care

The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. 

Learn more and take the course.