Enhance patient safety by identifying and minimizing risk exposures affecting nurse practitioner practice

A study analyzing closed professional liability claims against nurse practitioners over a 5‐year period was completed by CNA and Nurses Service Organization (NSO). Of 200 closed claims, the average total incurred payment per claim was $285 645. The study identifies current liability patterns and trends and provides risk‐control recommendations to enhance patient safety and minimize liability exposure. Study results indicate that while the number of nurse practitioner claims have been relatively stable over the past 5 years (2007–2011), the number of claims resulting in very severe indemnity payment have increased 19% since 2009. The data also show that many claims develop from a failure involving core competencies, such as treatment and care management, and medication prescribing. Allegations related to failure to diagnose and delay in making a correct diagnosis were found most frequently. The claims demonstrate that nurse practitioners are responsible for obtaining and documenting the results of appropriate tests, consultations, and overall need for medical intervention to meet the patient's medical needs.     

Knowledge management: An innovative risk management strategy

Knowledge management effectively lends itself to the enterprise risk process. The authors introduce the concept of knowledge management as a strategy to drive innovation and support risk management. They align this work with organizational efforts to improve patient safety and quality through the effective sharing of experience and lessons learned. The article closes with suggestions on how to develop a knowledge management initiative at an organization, who should be on the team, and how to sustain this effort and build the culture it requires to drive success.     

Online learning as a staff risk management education option

As clinicians face growing responsibilities to keep up with continuing medical education offerings, they have less time to learn fundamental risk management knowledge to practice safely. To meet their clinicians' needs and time constraints, the authors developed, implemented and assessed 15 lessons in three online risk management courses for resident physicians in an academic center. This report demonstrates that Internet‐based learning can provide a practical alternative to formal classroom teaching of a risk management curriculum to busy resident physicians and potentially to other healthcare professionals.     

From the end of the world to the top of the world

I've been on the road a bit this summer. Because of the kind generosity of my London broker, Lloyd and Partners, Ltd., I've been allowed the unique opportunity to have an insider's view of the London market. I observed an interesting renewal situation and sat with underwriters in their boxes amid the hallowed (at least to us insurance geeks) trappings of Lloyd's. I spent several lovely days in Hanover with my long‐time lead reinsurer, Hanover Re, while trying desperately to keep up with my own work back home. It's been stimulating and thought‐provoking, and I know I won't ever view the purchase of insurance in the same way.     

Of consent,informed refusal,and measles vaccination

This article provides a discussion of the historic context for measles vaccination and the impact of the 2015 outbreak of measles. Seven practical risk management strategies are offered for vaccination consent.