Vital Signs: Risk and Insurance for Healthcare

Like any relationship, the effort to maintain a therapeutic and respective connection between provider and patient takes effort and time. And like any connection between two parties, the relationship can reach a point of disruption or challenge. Ideally, working through the rough patches is the desire. Circumstances may reach a point though where the differences are too far apart, the bond broken and mutual respect lost. All efforts to resolve the matter have been exhausted. As the song goes “breaking up is hard to do."   In this episode, we delve into the ethical, legal and practical aspects of ending the physician-patient relationship. Healthcare professionals will gain insights into best practices, guidelines and strategies to ensure a respectful and smooth transition. We'll explore ways to minimize risks while upholding the highest standards of patient care.

This session is a key installment in our podcast series, which is specifically designed to support healthcare providers as they navigate the rapidly changing world of telemedicine. Our knowledgeable podcast host and guest will explore a range of topics, including the latest best practices for implementing telemedicine programs, effective risk management strategies and innovative solutions to common challenges. Whether you're new to telemedicine or looking to enhance your existing program, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you succeed in this evolving field.

Tune in to our podcast as our host and expert guests dive deep into the complexities of responding to medical board complaints. We'll cover the legal frameworks, ethical considerations and emotional challenges involved in these situations.  Discover practical strategies for navigating the complaint process and learn how to transform what might seem like a daunting ordeal into a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth. Whether you're a healthcare professional facing a complaint or simply interested in the topic, this episode offers insights and advice to help you handle these issues with confidence and resilience.

When it comes to refusal of care, the intersection of risk management, ethics and law becomes crucial. Healthcare providers must navigate the delicate balance between respecting patient autonomy and ensuring patient safety. This involves understanding the reasons behind a patient's refusal, which can range from fear and anxiety to cultural or personal belief. From a risk management perspective, healthcare organizations must implement strategies to mitigate potential adverse outcomes. This includes thorough documentation, clear communication with patients and involving multidisciplinary teams to address the refusal comprehensively. In today’s podcast, the host and guests will explore these complexities through detailed case studies, highlighting real-world scenarios where healthcare providers have successfully managed refusal of care. They will discuss best practices, common challenges and the importance of a collaborative approach in ensuring both patient rights and safety are upheld.

Silence is not always golden, particularly after a serious safety event occurs. Patients and family frequently describe the experience of previously friendly and forthcoming care team members suddenly backing away after a bad outcome. Host Joan Porcaro is joined again by experts Karen Kolega, Chief Nursing Officer for PeriGen and Debbie Ketchum, Clinical Engagement Executive for PeriGen, who highlight the importance of communication and disclosure following a serious safety event – easing the impact to the patient while also reducing the risk of liability for the provider.

In the next episode of our maternal health miniseries, experts Dr. Steven Porter, an OB/GYN serving as the Chief executive at Risk LD and Lori Adams, Patient Safety and Risk Manager at Copic Insurance Company discuss the common issues that rise to a level of a claim, industry trends, top four claims and emerging risks in maternal and fetal safety.

Obstetrics is the only field of medicine in which decisions made for one party that may immediately impact the outcome of another. When considering patient refusal in the labor and deliver unit, how does the health care team evaluate or determine the priority of fetal risk versus maternal risk? In this episode of Vital Signs, host Joan Porcaro and brings back experts Karen Kolega, Chief Nursing Officer for PeriGen and Debbie Ketchum, Clinical Engagement Executive for PeriGen to discuss a case where a patient refuses a life maintaining c-section. PeriGen is a company providing technology solutions designed to help clinicians improve clinical practice and patient safety in the maternal and fetal health clinical environment.

In the second session of our maternal health miniseries, host Joan Porcaro and guests Carol Curran, Perinatal & Business Development Specialist for Medical Interactive and Nancy Travis, Director of Women and Neonatal Services at Cape Coral Hospital, explore the most effective approaches to training care team members on maternal and fetal health and safety. Our speakers discuss topics such as hands-on training, artificial intelligence, simulation exercises, continuing education, and other best approaches to training. 

In episode five of our maternal health miniseries, host Joan Porcaro welcomes back Karen Kolega, Chief Nursing Officer for PeriGen and Debbie Ketchum, Clinical Engagement Executive for PeriGen, for a deep dive discussion on emerging healthcare technology applications.  AI serves to be one of the most promising innovations not only for healthcare in general but also for the maternal health patient. Our guests will discuss emerging healthcare technology and how that technology is improving safe care delivery and practices and also reducing liability. 

Join host Joan Porcaro and guest Monica Cooke, CEO, Quality Plus Solutions, LLC, as they share insights and expertise on various strategies and techniques that employers can implement to create a safer work environment.

Despite all advances and technology available, the U.S. is the most challenged developed country in which to give birth. In our first session of the maternal health miniseries, and our podcast opener for Season 2, our experts will, using evidence -based strategies such as tool kits, nurse bundles and state quality collaboratives, discuss the strides made in improving care.

Sexual misconduct coverage has become significantly more complicated over the last couple of years and it seems to be undergoing yet another evolution as the market hardens. During this discussion, we dive into some important coverage, exclusion and policy considerations.

Sexual misconduct coverage has become significantly more complicated over the last couple of years and it seems to be undergoing yet another evolution as the market hardens. During this discussion, we dive into some important coverage, exclusion and policy considerations.

A discussion on coverage for punitive damages with Will Eustace, Casualty Coverage Officer at Willis Towers Watson.

A discussion on coverage for punitive damages with Will Eustace, Casualty Coverage Officer at Willis Towers Watson.

Our guest speaker, Kirsten Beasley, Head of Healthcare Broking in North America, discusses batch coverage in healthcare professional liability (HPL) policies as well as batch claims in the context of COVID-19.

Our guest speaker, Kirsten Beasley, Head of Healthcare Broking in North America, discusses batch coverage in healthcare professional liability (HPL) policies as well as batch claims in the context of COVID-19.

Our guest speakers, Brian McBride and Robin Kelliher, discuss environmental liability in the healthcare industry. They share their perspectives on the evolution of environmental coverage and the current impacts of the hard insurance market and COVID-19. Brian and Robin are part of the Willis Towers Watson environmental practice.

Our guest speakers, Brian McBride and Robin Kelliher, discuss environmental liability in the healthcare industry. They share their perspectives on the evolution of environmental coverage and the current impacts of the hard insurance market and COVID-19. Brian and Robin are part of the Willis Towers Watson environmental practice.

In this episode, the discussion focuses on healthcare professional liability (HPL) coverage issues in a hard market. Guest speaker Joanne Kowalczyk shares her perspective on COVID-19 exclusions and current claims trends and activities.