To Help Avoid Malpractice, Doctors Should Follow SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan)

Malpractice by a doctor is an act or the continued conduct of a doctor which does not meet the standard of professional medical competence and health care and results in provable damages to the victim of such a malpractice. Because of malpractice, doctors face several problems.

To prevent malpractice problems, some doctors follow the process known as SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment, plan). This process consists of certain simple steps to follow that ensure that the patient is aware of the exact situation in which he/she is in and the doctor apprises him of all necessary aspects and possible consequences as well, so as to avoid problems in future. There are certain additions made to the above SOAP procedure that also provides a certain level of security to doctors.

If some simple steps are taken by a doctor, the chances of a malpractice suit against that doctor can certainly be minimized.

First of all, the doctor should ensure that he/she includes the patient in all decision making. The doctor needs to explain to the patient all the options, risks, and outcomes to the patient before he/she is treated.

The doctor should always keep clear, updated, and complete documentation. It may save the doctor when he has to face the court. Thus, documentation may sometimes be a key element in malpractice suits.

In certain cases, when the patients condition is unclear, it is advisable for the doctor to check as well as recheck from time to time the patients vital signs and symptoms. These should also be documented and kept as this can help the doctor to treat the patient better. In normal cases too, the important information should be double-checked by the doctor.

During a sensitive exam, such as that involving a breast or genitals, it is better to have an assistant present during the procedure. Also, make sure that the assistant notes in the documentation that he was present during the whole exam.

Be careful while making statements about the diagnosis. State your opinions based on facts. Ensure that your patient understands the difference between facts and opinions.

Ensure that the prescription has been fully understood by the patient. They should be clearly told about medications. They should know as to when and how they should take the medicines prescribed by their doctor. The name of the medications should also be clear to the patient. This will help the doctor to avoid several problems that he may have to face in future.

Spend enough time with your patient. Clear all their doubts and be ready to answer all questions that the patient may have.

These suggestions are some ways that may help a doctor avoid malpractice. Due to a malpractice suit either the doctor or the patient has to pay the price one way or the other. Thus, avoiding malpractice is best for everyone. To avoid the problems that occur due to malpractice, doctors should ensure complete comfort of their patients and provide to them the best possible medical care.