in General.
If a medical or health practitioner receives a patient complaint or claim, one of the requests the medical practitioner may be asked by their medical indemnity insurer is for a copy of the patient’s health records. A request for patient records can often be prompted also by the patient or their solicitor. A medical practitioner … Read more
in General.
Any device that can collect its own data and communicate via a network is now part of the billions of gadgets collectively known as the Internet of Things (IoT). In the Healthcare space, common uses include fitness products like FitBits, automated security systems and stock inventory. But we can be certain we are just beginning … Read more
in General.
In early 2020, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) released revised guidelines for mandatory notifications made to AHPRA by treating medical practitioners. These guidelines were issued in anticipation of amendments to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, as in force in participating states and territories. The amendments came into effect in March 2020. The … Read more
in General.
Patients with type 1 diabetes need to monitor their blood glucose levels multiple times a day, about 40 percent of children use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), with insulin being delivered through a pump or by injection to regulate these levels. Emerging technologies that provide a ‘Do It Yourself’ approach are changing the way some … Read more
in General.
The aged care sector has faced many challenges in recent times from the Royal Commission into Aged Care to COVID-19 outbreaks at healthcare facilities. This is particularly so for medical and healthcare professionals working on the front line who are supporting the ongoing needs of their patients. In light of some proposed reforms in Western … Read more
in General.
With the pandemic disrupting so much of the healthcare industry and changing the way some practices and procedures are carried out, now is the time to take stock of existing commercial contractual arrangements, whether your organisation is the purchaser or supplier. Whether a contract can be terminated, or is able to be delayed or suspended … Read more
in General.
Dental damage is one of the most common incidents reported by Anaesthetists in Australia. Using the best Intubation technique and the provision of clear warnings about the possibility of dental damage, does not necessarily prevent patients from making a complaint and/or seeking compensation in the event of sustaining a dental injury (chipped tooth, gum infection, … Read more
in General.
The Commonwealth Privacy Act governs personal information, which includes health records and other health information; and covers all health practitioners in private practice. It does not however extend to public hospitals and other public organisations. Health information is classified as ‘sensitive information’ under the Privacy Act and attracts additional protections because of its greater sensitivity. … Read more
in General.
Unexpected outcomes are an unavoidable part of healthcare. However the likelihood of a patient taking legal action may be affected by the way the incident is managed, as well as the communication process. Open Disclosure is an important process for communicating when there has been an unfortunate or unexpected outcome during treatment and care. Tego … Read more
in General.
Telehealth services are now more than ever being utilised to provide medical treatment to patients. The benefits work for both parties involved – patients can continue to receive treatment in the comfort of their own home, whilst medical practitioners are able to continue to practice in relative safety. Furthermore, in terms of a public policy … Read more
