Adverse Events, Stress, and Litigation: A Physician's Guide [Hardcover]

Sara C. Charles (Author), Paul R. Frisch (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195171489 | ISBN-13: 978-0195171488 | Publication Date: April 14, 2005

What is it like to be sued for medical malpractice? Bad medical outcomes traumatize patients but they also traumatize physicians. The litigation that often follows is a profoundly human, rather than just a legal experience. Although every physician's case is different, this book shows how each case goes through the same judicial stages of complaint, discovery, depositions, motions, and delays that lead to trial, settlement, or being dropped. It also gives doctors an understanding of how lawyers think and work to help defendants. Written by a physician and a lawyer, the book provides unique insights - through real-life stories - into the personal experience of litigation as well as recommendations for dealing with each of the legal process. It also includes up-to-date reviews of HIPAA legislation, the controversial subject of disclosure, and recent developments in the law affecting medical practitioners. Only about thirty percent of plaintiffs win their cases against doctors, but the journey from bedside to witness stand tests both the personal character and the professional skills of those accused. This well-documented book will help doctors understand and navigate the legal system while honoring their own ideals and emerging changed but stronger from the experience.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is the ultimate resoruce for physicians facing litigation...excellent case histories."--Doody's Book Review Service

"The book educates physicians about the legal steps they can expect and provides information on how lawyers think and work to help defendants. The book also covers the controversial topic of disclosure."--ACOG Clinical Review

"This book is a prime example of a book about which many will say. 'I wish I read this book before!' It is well written, thoughtful, and full of practical advice."--Annals of Clinical Psychiatry

"The sentinel work on the management of litigation stress, Charles and Frisch's Physician's Guide: Adverse Events, Stress and Litigation teaches that in certain predisposed physicians, such as those with preexisting trauma or depression, severe or prolonged stress reactions to litigation are more likely...seems more complete, better balanced, and more immediately useful to physicians experiencing litigation stress."--JAMA

About the Author

Sara C. Charles is at University of Illinois (Emerita). Paul Frisch is at Oregon Medical Association.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 14, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195171489
• ISBN-13: 978-0195171488
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,010,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pertinent and Substantive!, September 16, 2005

By 

Jan Paquette - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Adverse Events, Stress, and Litigation: A Physician's Guide (Hardcover)

Adverse Events, Stress and Litigation: A Physician's Guide was recommended to me by my daughter in pre-med. As an emergency physician with 30 years of experience in healthcare, I found this book a welcome addition to my continuing medical education. The authors provide an in depth synopsis of a topic which is fraught with anxiety for all physicians, medical malpractice. The book's unique strength lies in both content and format, setting it apart from other literature on the same topic. What it is NOT, is a sterile, didactic review on medical litigation. Rather, it walks the reader through the mine field of a claim or suit. It shines a light through the fog that is the legal process (and the associated attorney jargon) inherent in this stressful situation. Further, it provides the reader with tools to successfully navigate the system. Real life examples are integrated throughout, adding interest and even comfort. Every physician and physician-to-be should include this in their mandatory reading. I was surprised to find hope and solace in a book that is thoroughly informative and relevant. I highly recommend it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Evocative, exceptional, and enlightening!, September 12, 2005

By 

Alia Paquette - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Adverse Events, Stress, and Litigation: A Physician's Guide (Hardcover)

As a pre-med student I found this book incredibly informative. It provides a balanced and unique perspective on a very important issue. The use of real life situations makes the book both poignant and approachable to the lay person or professional. Every pre-medical, medical student and resident should read this book in preparation for their career. It adds depth and scope to ones understanding of the importance of patient safety, quality of care, and risk management. This book not only can help one avoid liability but can also provide a guide through the difficult and often foreign legal system surrounding medical malpractice.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly recommended, September 20, 2008

By 

Jacqueline Milliken (Nova Scotia , CANADA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Adverse Events, Stress, and Litigation: A Physician's Guide (Hardcover)

I'm preparing a paper on Physicians in the Complaint process in Canada. The author has a lot of experience in the U.S. system , much of which is relevant to us,especially the advice to doctors about coping with this trauma. The authors other papers are helpful and I wanted this book for reference