Tips and Strategies for De-Escalating Aggressive, Hostile, or Violent Patients

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Managing patient complaints and dissatisfaction is an unpleasant but certain reality in healthcare. Despite best efforts, situations will occur in which patients are unhappy and feel compelled to voice their displeasure and concerns. In some cases, patients’ emotions might escalate, and they may become aggressive, hostile, or violent.

Managing Patients Who Have Red Flags for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Healthcare providers who offer cosmetic and aesthetic services help patients address physical issues that might impede their body image, emotional well-being, and psychosocial functioning. Surgeries or procedures that correct or improve these issues can ultimately enhance patients’ quality of life and address lingering insecurities. Yet, for some patients, seeking out cosmetic and aesthetic services is symptomatic of a more complex issue called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or body dysmorphia. This condition ultimately can lead to negative consequences for both patients and healthcare providers.

Wrongful Birth and Wrongful Life Allegations: Overview and Risk Mitigation Strategies

In recent years, MedPro has noted an uptick in malpractice cases related to wrongful birth and wrongful life. Although these types of cases are still uncommon, when they do occur, settlements or judgments can be in the millions of dollars.

15 Ways Hospitals Can Improve Environmental Safety and Reduce Falls

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Patient falls are a vexing and persistent problem for hospitals. A collaborative publication from The Joint Commission, the Health Research and Educational Trust, and the American Hospital Association notes that “Despite long-term and widespread attention to fall prevention, patients continue to fall, and many of these falls result in injury.”¹

When Patient Phobias Turn Into Medical Emergencies

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Patient phobias related to medical or dental treatment can be problematic and concerning in various ways. These emotions may manifest as nonadherence to treatment plans or appointment schedules, behavioral issues, or — in extreme cases — medical emergencies. The case studies below offer two examples of how patient fear and anxiety contributed to medical emergencies.

Record Retention Basics for Healthcare Practices

Healthcare practices generate and maintain many different types of records, including patient health records and business records. These records help organizations maintain critical information and deliver quality services and care.

Diagnostic Overshadowing and At-Risk Patients

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Lapses in clinical judgment are a well-established contributing factor in diagnostic errors, and it is widely accepted that cognitive biases are a major cause of these lapses. Numerous types of cognitive biases exist, but certain patients might be particularly susceptible to a bias called diagnostic overshadowing.

Avoiding Social Media Blunders With Proactive Risk Management Policies

Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM

Undoubtedly, social media’s ease, flexibility, and convenience offer various opportunities to enhance the dissemination of health information and communication between patients and healthcare providers. Like any type of technology, though, social media can create safety and risk management concerns if it is not used responsibly. Further, because social media changes rapidly, standards and best practices are not always well-defined.