Professional Documents
Culture Documents
• In case of physical attack try not to panic – try to think logically and act
• Keep deterrents like pepper spray, low voltage stun stick (available in Online shops) in
consulting rooms. Do Try not to use them unless physically threatened.
How can we be prepared
Legal action / Complaints to hospital / medical bodies
• Documentation is the most important factor when facing legal action.
• Date time and signature in documentation is vital.
• Having witnesses who can corroborate your claims is important.
• CCTV monitoring in consultation rooms (avoiding examination rooms)
• In case of potential complaint arising (for example after a
complications, explanation and documentation) witness signature,
name date time should be documented.
• Never answer written replies by oneself under emotional stress. Get
professional help to formulate replies.
How can we be prepared
Legal action / Complaints to hospital / medical bodies
• Become a life member of IMA. Utilize legal help from IMA by taking
Indemnity insurance. Other organizations like ASI, private organizations
also provide these types of help.
• Always take Indemnity insurance with sufficient coverage.
• Keep a good lawyer on hand and take his/her opinion in written replies
to complaints.
• Encourage your professional organisations (USI, UAK) to make
guidelines for procedures, conduct courses in communication and
provide legal assistance for a fee.
Social media / Written / Visual media abuse
• This is the latest and very effective method of abuse
• Character assassination that is done through these can cause irreparable
damage.
• Inter-doctor rivalry can be the core problem.
Actions possible
Always maintain cordial relations with colleagues.
Show respect for the opinion of colleagues to the patients who come for
2nd opinions.
Do not respond to social media accusations directly. Get lawyer help.
Carefully written answers using polite language, outlining the
circumstances can be used in replies to counter social media abuses.
Conveying bad news (Fatality)
• Mortality is terrible for the family. They will naturally feel aggrieved. Feel
for the patient and relatives with true heart.
• Always talk to maximum 2 or 3 people in a room. If there is a crowd waiting
make sure security assures them outside before discussing with close
relatives in closed room.
• Get other doctors and staff support (anesthesiologist, senior nurses) when
conveying bad news. Talk as a team.
• Explain what happened in detail and what was done to save the patient.
• Try not to respond to provocation from relatives. Try to maintain calm and
show empathy.
Conveying bad news
• In surgical mortality a post mortem if needed should be done so that
it may be helpful in case of potential legal action.
• Goa: Priest Led Mob Attacks Doctor And Family Over Activism Against
Illegal Activities. June 05, 2019
Mob Attacks
• Try to get away to safety if possible (Run into car or closed secure
room and lock the doors).
• Call local Security, Police, Management. Keep emergency numbers
handy in your phone.
• Get any help you can – don’t feel ashamed to shout or cry loudly -
Your life may be at stake.
Thank you for a listening.