in General.
PSR was established in July 1994 as an Agency within the Health Portfolio to protect the integrity of Medicare and the PBS. Part VAA of the Health Insurance Act 1973 establishes the agency, sets out its role and powers and the process that it must follow when conducting its work. Through the performance of its … Read more
in General.
Medical practices require a proactive and effective strategy to mitigate and control patient risk during all aspects of patient interaction. Medical practices should take steps to identify all potential factors that may create a risk to the patient or practice. By assessing and identifying these risks, a practice may mitigate or even eliminate many of … Read more
in General.
Medications are the most common treatment used in healthcare. Every year in Australia the amount of prescriptions dispensed increases. On an average day, over 600,000 subsidised prescriptions are dispensed (AIHW). Errors associated with medication are of particular concern because some can be preventable. In hospitals, data suggests that between 2 to 3 percent of all … Read more
in General.
Social media has grown rapidly since its introduction over 10 years ago. It is a powerful interactive tool where people can share opinions, experiences, information, resources and more. The use of social media can have an enormous benefit for society – both personally and professionally – and allows people to communicate and interact with a … Read more
in General.
There are legal implications when dealing with blood transfusions for minors. It is not uncommon for Health and Medical Practitioners to face difficult situations when a child’s parent refuses a blood transfusion; such as on religious grounds. That is why there is legislation in each state and territory for a minor’s emergency treatment (like blood … Read more
in General.
The anesthetist workforce forms a large part of the medical fraternity. Anesthetists comprise almost 4.5% of the medical practitioner community. Anesthetists are highly skilled medical professionals who work to carry out a broad spectrum of medical procedures including pain management, intensive care and perfusion. Anesthetists in Australia usually hold FANZCA or equivalent recognised qualification to practice in … Read more
in General.
Medical practitioners who receive a claim or complaint notification will often be asked by the insurer for a copy of the health records. The notification may in fact have been prompted by a request by the patient or their solicitor for a copy of their records. The issues that face a practitioner who has inadequate … Read more
in General.
In private practice, ensuring you adequately implement a risk management strategy is very vital to mitigating practice exposure. Having appropriate processes and procedures should be a priority with medical indemnity or practice insurance acting as support backup for when things go wrong. Commonly Arising Risk Events Adverse events in medical practice have a long history. … Read more
in General.
For a clinical doctor/patient relationship to work effectively, it requires the trust of both parties. Occasionally relationships may not work out as planned and medical or health practitioners may find themselves in a situation where the ability to manage and care for a patient is compromised irretrievably. Prior to ceasing care there are a number … Read more
in General.
Certain deaths need to be reported to the Coroner. Requirements differ throughout Australia, but generally the following deaths are reportable to the Coroner: You cannot certify cause of death There are unexpected outcomes from health care. The Role of the Coroner The Coroner’s role is to determine time, manner and cause of death, and consider … Read more
