In this episode of ProAssurance's Rapid Risk Review podcast, host Lesley Lopez Viner discusses key legislative issues impacting healthcare with Clayton Stewart, Chief Lobbyist for the Texas Medical Association, the largest state medical association in the country. They explore federal advocacy issues, pressing challenges in medicine, recent legislative successes in Texas, and the importance of physician involvement in advocacy efforts nationwide. The conversation highlights the importance of effective communication with legislators and the significance of engaging in the political process to protect the interests of both physicians and patients.

In this episode of Rapid Risk Review, risk management professionals Michele Crum and Tracy Valentine join host Brad Byrne to discuss the critical concept of safety culture in healthcare. They explore the importance of open communication, leadership engagement, and staff empowerment in fostering a culture of safety. The conversation explores real-world examples, the role of leadership in shaping a safety culture, and practical strategies for implementation. The episode highlights the importance of transparency and accountability, as well as the significance of evaluating the effectiveness of safety culture initiatives.

In this episode, guests Laura Ekery and Michele Crum join host Lesley Lopez Viner to discuss the critical topic of disclosure following adverse events in healthcare. They explore the definition of disclosure, its importance in maintaining trust between healthcare providers and patients, and the key principles that guide effective communication. The conversation underscores the importance of transparency, the role of apologies, and the necessity of accurate documentation. The panel also addresses common questions that arise in the wake of an adverse outcome and provides resources for healthcare providers to navigate these challenging conversations.

In this episode of Rapid Risk Review, host Brad Byrne, along with colleagues Mallory Earley and Kelly Riedl, delve into the complexities of informed refusal in healthcare. They discuss the importance of informed consent, the ethical implications of patient autonomy, and the necessity of thorough documentation when patients refuse care. The conversation emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to navigate these situations with clarity, compassion, and compliance, ensuring that patients are fully informed of the risks and consequences of their decisions.

In this episode of ProAssurance’s Rapid Risk Review podcast, guests Joanne Simmons, Lanette Williams, and Carrie Ermshar discuss the critical role of setting realistic expectations with residents and their families in senior care communities. They emphasize that clear communication and transparency are essential for reducing risk, building trust, and improving care outcomes. The conversation explores key risk management areas—including falls, skin breakdown, and medication management—while underscoring the importance of ongoing family education and engagement. The episode also offers strategies for repairing relationships after miscommunication and highlights the value of consistent quality control in care practices.

This episode of Pro Assurance's Rapid Risk Review Podcast delves into the nuances of curbside consults. Risk management professionals Bradley Byrne and Joanne Simmons discuss the benefits and risks associated with these informal consultations between healthcare professionals. They explore the importance of understanding the limitations of curbside consults, the common risks involved, and how physicians can protect themselves during these interactions. The conversation also highlights the role of healthcare organizations in managing curbside consults.

This episode covers the critical issue of workplace violence in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of training, proactive de-escalation techniques, and understanding patient stressors. Claude Howard Jr. shares insights from his extensive experience in law enforcement and healthcare, highlighting strategies for engaging with patients and collaborating with security and law enforcement to create a safer environment for healthcare workers and patients.

In this episode, we explore the delicate process of ending the physician-patient relationship with professionalism, empathy, and a focus on minimizing risks. From understanding the legal and ethical considerations to crafting termination letters, we’ll guide you through best practices for ensuring a smooth transition of care. We also tackle unique scenarios, such as handling non-compliant patients or those in need of specialized care, while addressing potential liability pitfalls. Join us for practical advice on concluding these relationships in a way that protects both your practice and your patients’ well-being.

In this episode of the Rapid Risk Review podcast, the Risk Management team from ProAssurance discusses the most common risk management issues faced by healthcare professionals in 2024. They delve into the data collected from their helpline, highlighting key areas such as patient complaints, HIPAA compliance, and the complexities surrounding patient termination. The conversation emphasizes the importance of effective communication, understanding patient rights, and navigating the legal landscape in healthcare.

This episode of the Rapid Risk Review Podcast delves into GLP-1 agonists, a class of medications that have gained popularity for diabetes and weight management. The discussion covers the risks associated with prescribing these medications, including on-label and off-label uses, the role of compounding pharmacies, and the importance of shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients. Experts highlight the challenges posed by medication shortages and the potential dangers of compounded drugs, emphasizing the need for thorough patient education and careful selection of pharmacies.

In this episode, host Brad Byrne interviews attorney Brian Whitelaw about the risks of text messaging in healthcare and the potential legal implications. They discuss the use of text messaging between providers and patients, the need for patient consent, and the technical and practical considerations. They also highlight real-life examples of how text messaging can impact a trial and the importance of preserving text message records for litigation purposes.

This episode of ProAssurance's "Rapid Risk Review" podcast delves into the rapidly expanding roles of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) and the associated risk management challenges. Host Brad Byrne, joined by senior risk consultants Wendy Alderman and Kelly Riedl, explores the significant growth in APP utilization, particularly Physician Assistants (PAs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). The discussion highlights emerging trends, the growing frequency and severity of malpractice claims involving APPs, and offers expert insights into effective risk mitigation strategies.

ProAssurance Risk Management professionals Michele Crum, Mary-Lynn Ryan, and Bradley Byrne discuss a range of challenges expected to arise from the physician shortage projected to impact the United States by 2034.

Mallory Earley, Esq. and Joanne Simmons, RN, BSN, join host Bradley Byrne to examine several common scenarios involving the treatment of minors.