| Papers [1-14] of 51 :: [Page 1 of 4] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 —> | Search results on "NURSING MALPRACTICE": |
|
|
Nursing Malpractice, 2004.
Case study of a fatal mistake made by a nurse in the care of an infant.
2,156 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 10 sources, APA, £ 46.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of a fatal error made by a nurse in the care of an infant and raises the question of whether the error was a simple mistake or negligence on the part of the nurse. The paper details what went wrong with the infant's care and attempts to find the answer to several questions that would help determine if the nurse was acting negligently. Furthermore, the paper outlines the criteria for negligence and discusses the appropriate actions, if any, that should have been taken.
Outline
Introduction
Description and Analysis
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper
"This case study raises the question of simple mistake or negligence on behalf of the nurse. At midnight, Baby G, a full term, normal delivery 14-day-old infant, is admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit with an admitting diagnosis of RSV bronchiolitis. The child is intubated, ventilated, and supportive therapy is initiated. Routine blood work revels the infant to be mildly hypophosphatemic. The physician orders potassium phosphate 1mnol/kg intravenously, times two doses, every six hours. The Registered Nurse caring for the patient is unsure of the dose, and checks with the ordering physician. The physician assures her the dose is appropriate. Subsequently, the nurse administers the medication as ordered. Over the next five hours the baby becomes increasingly lethargic and displays an abnormal electrocardiogram. Following the second dose, the baby deteriorates into sudden cardiac arrest. Urgent blood work reveals a critically high potassium level. Despite all resuscitative efforts, the infant dies."
| |
|
Caps on Medical Malpractice Awards, 2005.
A proposal to place caps on malpractice awards while reducing risk to those in the nursing profession.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, £ 42.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This is a nursing proposal suggesting what nurses can do to reduce risk while strongly advocating caps on malpractice awards. The current legislature on malpractice caps and the level of reduced care to patients is discussed. The patients' own inability to afford service, the affordability to practice by physicians and their need to increase patients' costs for services by ordering many more than medically necessary are all covered.
From the Paper
"There is a vicious cycle taking place in the world of healthcare that involves patients, attorneys, physicians and healthcare professionals and facilities and insurance companies. Medical malpractice premium rates are forcing doctors and nurse practitioners to order medically unnecessary tests and pad bills or fold their practices. According to the Center for Legal Policy (as cited by Stableford, 2005) "unnecessary medical tests and constant referrals to specialists for second and third opinions costs an unnecessary $60 billion to $100 billion." Law suits continue to climb at an alarming rate with unconscionable awards that are not consistent with something that can be measured tangibly. Attorneys play on the sympathy of juries for neurological deformities of infants that could have naturally occurred genetically, not necessarily as a result of medical error, yet huge awards for punitive damages are awarded."
| |
|
Nursing Regulatory and Accreditation Bodies, 2008.
This paper looks at nursing regulatory and accreditation bodies that ensure the quality and professionalism of the nurses' care for the patient.
1,034 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 25.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that professionalism in the field of nursing demands strict self-regulation and continuous improvement of the standard of care through evidence-based recommendations and quality research. The writer notes that professionalism also demands a multi-disciplinary approach in order to arrive at comprehensive, individualized treatment options for the patient. The nurses' roles as researcher, planner, policy-maker, educator, leader and collaborator testify to the ethical responsibilities they share towards patients, colleagues and the populations they affect through their decisions. In practice, the writer maintains that it is the nurse that plays a large part in formulating and implementing patient care plans, evaluating their outcomes and continuously enforcing and improving the quality of care. The writer concludes that accrediting and regulatory bodies are different levels of professional accountability in the nursing profession that protect consumers from unnecessary harm and employers from the legal consequences of the malpractice of individual employees.
Outline:
Introduction
Regulatory Body: Purpose and Scope
Accrediting Body: Purpose and Scope
Similarities and Differences
Conclusion
From the Paper
"From the above, it can be seen that both regulation and accreditation provide different strata of professional accountability as they relate to the practice of safe, comprehensive and competent patient care. Accountability can also be seen in terms of institutional and individual accountability. Institution accreditation, while accountable for educating its graduates according to its own set of mission objectives, philosophy and goals, is no longer directly accountable for any shortcomings of the individual nurse in terms of clinical practice and continuing education. As the nurse enters individual practice, jurisdiction falls to the state nursing boards to determine individual accountability. Another difference is that (in the case of the U.S.), accreditation is done through a nationally recognized agency. This is advantageous in that accredited institutions adhere to a uniform set of accreditation prerequisites, which in effect standardizes core education competencies. Regulatory bodies, in contrast, have a more narrow authority, determined by governmental jurisdiction and specialization. This is advantageous in that individual registered nurses, irrespective of higher education, can be restricted in terms of area of practice and prosecuted according to state law if necessary. Additionally, individuals, rather than institutions, can more easily be restricted in practice and monitored."
| |
|
Malpractice Caps, 2005.
This paper examines the issue of caps on malpractice awards.
1,560 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 35.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that the main reason why caps should exist on malpractice suit is the cost of malpractice insurance for doctors, which has forced many doctors to stop practicing medicine. The author points out that placing caps on malpractice awards might shield negligent doctors from being held accountable for their mistakes and might prevent patients from getting the monetary awards that match the economic and traumatic impact of the injuries they have incurred. The paper states that the solution to this issue is to place caps on malpractice awards; however, in extreme cases where negligence is apparent and the impact of such negligence is irrevocable, there must be exceptions to such caps.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Caps on Malpractice Awards
Why No Caps on Malpractice Awards
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper
"The problems associated with malpractice awards came to the forefront in 2002 when a group of 60 specialists at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas refused to work because of the high cost of malpractice insurance. Their actions caused the hospitals emergency room to shut down. This gave Nevada and the nation a glimpse of the public health crisis that could ensue if caps are not placed on Malpractice Awards. In the case of Las Vegas, legislatures came together and placed a $350,000 cap on the amount of money that a patient could receive as a non economic award in a malpractice case. However, lawmakers did attach to exceptions to the bill including "one involving cases where there is "gross malpractice". The other where there is "clear and convincing" evidence that an award should exceed the $350,000 cap."
| |
|
Medical Malpractice, 2006.
An analysis and examination of the global problem of medical malpractice.
1,687 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, £ 37.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper takes a look at the global problem of medical malpractice and examines the issues and objectives concerning the development and enforcement of policies that would limit malpractice awards. The paper also recommends a set of objectives, options and actions that nurses and others can actively take to reduce their risk.
Table of Contents
Abstracts
Caps on Medical Malpractice Awards
Background
Issue Statement
Stakeholders
Policy Objectives
Policy Alternatives
Summary -- Recommended Policy
From the Paper
"That malpractice is an industry cannot be denied. Attorneys, professional lobbying agents and agencies wine and dine politicians for their cause. The media follows every move. People are employed and significant money flows through the economy all due to the increase in malpractice suits and the amount of awards. There are a number of factions that comprise the growth of the malpractice industry and have significantly affected its development including social, economic, ethical, political and legal factors."
| |
|
Nursing, 2005.
A personal narrative in which the author relates why she chose nursing as a career.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 21.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The author of this paper shows that, despite the many voices of objection she heard regarding her career choice as a nurse, she is willing to do all that it takes to fulfill her lifelong dream. She explains the reasons why many people choose nursing as a career and the problems faced by many in the profession today, such as malpractice suits and AIDS.
From the Paper
"In American society, doctors are valued much more than nurses. As nurses, we are obliged to not only offer the latest medical treatments; we are also on call to help people feel independent, confident, and safe. We are there to ease more than physical pain but also to alleviate emotional and mental trauma that comes with physical infirmity. According to Zoe Bolton of the Daily Mail, the nursing profession is in a crisis because of underpay and overwork, in spite of increased responsibility. Because nursing has been my lifelong dream, I fearlessly endeavor to undertake this admirable profession in order to fulfill not only my dreams, but my patients' dreams as well."
| |
|
Medical Malpractice and Tort Reform.
This paper argues that tort reform would have precisely zero effect on the health insurance costs of Americans and would have very serious harmful effects on the lives of Americans who find it necessary to seek relief through a malpractice lawsuit.
1,935 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 42.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that tort reform, putting a cap on jury awards in malpractice suits, is exactly what the insurers want because, in addition to making a handsome profit on their medical malpractice lines as it stands, they would then have to pay out even less. The author points out that reducing consumer health insurance costs would be better served by a systematic effort to weed out bad doctors and prevent malpractice. The paper stresses that, even if there were a link between medical malpractice insurance costs and consumer health insurance costs, the culprit is the insurer itself because it is not allowed, by law, to raise rates in response to big payouts; insurers are allowed to raise rates when their projected investment income declines.
From the Paper
"The suggestive portion of the NAIC findings is this: although malpractice insurance premiums make up such a small portion of health-care costs, medical malpractice as a line of insurance demonstrated the highest profit as a percentage of premiums (Stewart, 21+), making it very lucrative for the insurance companies. Further, losses paid by those insurers in 1991 came to only about 31 cents of every $100 of health care costs; remember, malpractice premiums accounted for 64 cents per $100 spent, leaving 33 cents for the company out of each $100. While the amount spent on malpractice insurance by the consumer, trough his or her medical expenditures, is negligible, there are a lot of people spending $100 frequently, massing up piles of 33 cents for the insurers."
| |
|
Medical Malpractice from a Legal Perspective, 2006.
A discussion of the basic legal issues involved in medical malpractice.
2,831 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 58.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that medical malpractice only falls within the realms of negligence that occurs in the context of medical or health care, even though the basic legal issues involved in medical malpractice coincide with the legal elements that encompass common negligence. The paper further explains that there are four basic factors comprising medical malpractice that mirror those which define common negligence, but that there are additional requirements involved that expressly apply to negligence in a medical context. The paper then points out that, as a result of these additional requirements, medical malpractice cases also present many unique, complex and confusing issues that are exclusive to the medical profession. Next the paper elucidates on the issues, concluding that ultimately everything boils down to the question of which is more important;the rights of patients to expect quality treatment, or the obligation of physicians to provide it.
From the Paper
"Medical malpractice is commonly defined as negligence on the part of a physician, hospital or other health care professional that results in physical or emotional damage to that health care professional's patient. The negligent failure in medical malpractice cases can occur under many different circumstances. These include, but are not limited to: an unnecessary delay in, or the complete failure to diagnose a particular disease or ailment, a surgical error during an operative procedure, failure on the part of the physician to gain the informed consent of the patient to perform surgery, and/or a failure to properly treat an ailment once it has been diagnosed. Improper use of a medical device or implant can also be grounds for a medical malpractice suit (Robertson, 1985)."
| |
|
Are Medical Malpractice Laws Fair?, 2005.
A discussion of whether medical malpractice laws are fair or frivolous.
2,680 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, £ 55.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines different types of medical malpractice and questions the fairness of laws surrounding them. It addresses such cases as unnecessary surgery, medication errors, and errors in hospitals. The paper takes a look at the reasons why the US government is so concerned with the lawsuits regarding malpractice and the effects they have on the economy, the medical profession, and the duty of medical malpractice lawyers. The paper discusses conflicting views regarding the victims and the rights they have to receive compensation, versus the abuse of such laws in frivolous law suits. Reform concerns and regulation action are being addressed by the government, however results are slow to come. The paper argues that it is important to try to understand the victims involved, both doctors and patients, and rule on case-by-case basis. It concludes that learning to recognize the fair from the frivolous and continually reviewing ethical standards for medical professionals is one way to fight malicious malpractice myths.
From the Paper
"Another area of medical malpractice to consider is that of Medication malpractice. In 2004 Vioxx became the latest drug to be taken of the market due to its side effects. Vioxx has been reported to cause "blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes" (adrugrecall.com). Such lawsuits that are taken on to recover damages suffered by taking prescription drugs fall under "product liability". In most cases the manufacturer "knew the drug would cause harm" yet pushed for FDA approval despite the highly abnormal side affects (adrugrecall.com). Another example would be that of the drug Fen Phen. This example shows us the drug companies opt for making settlements rather than to sacrifice the name of their company and reputation. Fen Phen was a diet drug that was linked to cause heart valve problems. Like a gold rush in California, people rushed to claim their "pot of gold" and jump on the Fen Phen, I'm a victim bandwagon. While working in a law firm I was trained to ask people while doing an initial consultation on the phone, if their disability claims could have resulted from such diet drugs taken. If so, we would sign'em up and proceeded to make a claim in the winnings for them. At the end of the statute of limitations, we were rushing to file paperwork to ensure we met the deadline for what I called the "late bloomers". The general public get outraged when they find out a medication they were given by a professional could potentially kill them, yet with most medicines we take, there are always some risk involved."
| |
|
Effects of Medical Malpractice Claims, 2006.
This purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of medical malpractice claims on the delivery and quality of patient healthcare.
734 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 18.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper, presented as a research proposal, explores several topics relating to medical malpractice claims including whether or not increased claims result in decreased quality care. This paper discusses how on-going medical litigation impacts a patient's access to quality and specialized healthcare services. Thie researcher of this brief, yet concise, paper proposes to poll a sampling of 50 patients and 20 physicians using a tailored questionnaire to determine the extent to which patients and physicians feel malpractice claims have in fact impacted on the quality of healthcare. This writer also intends to analyze the medical malpractice claims from Denver's Bureau of Health Services from 1990 and up to the present.
Table of Contents:
Introduction/Background to Problem
Hypothesis
Literature Review
Research Design
References
From the Paper
"Boulard cites many studies that clearly show the increasing costs of malpractice insurance affect specialist care. In 2002 alone more than 60 specialists at one critical care facility in Las Vegas left their jobs after another malpractice premium spike. The crisis results in closure of a 24-hour critical care center. The crisis emphases the potential for not only reduced care but complete lack of access to care for hundreds of patients in similar situations. While legislatures are working on solutions to such problems, the issue is far from resolved. In some medical facilities, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are performing procedures doctor's once did, simply because the cost of medical malpractice is too high for doctors to perform procedures themselves."
| |
|
Healthcare Industry and Medical Malpractice in the U.S., 2006.
Evaluates the current situation of medical malpractice and the crises in the healthcare industry in the United States.
5,460 words (approx. 21.8 pages), 23 sources, MLA, £ 92.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The massive United States healthcare system plays an important place in society. Enormous amounts of money spent on health care, fail to a large degree in terms of healthiness or life expectancy. Medical malpractice aggravates this situation due to inflating costs. This paper analyzes how the legal system in the United States is putting pressure on the healthcare system, looks at ways that healthcare delivery has gotten more expensive and potentially more harmful or wary of risk. Tort reform is examined with the potential to help reduce medical costs, but does not seem to be a sufficient long-term goal. Finally, the paper explores the idea of medical courts or tribunals, specialized medical decision makers that could help to increase fair and reasonable judgments for medical malpractice claims.
Paper Outline:
The United States' Legal System is Killing Healthcare
The Impact of the Legal System on Healthcare in the United States
Tort Reform
Medical Courts and Medical Administrative Tribunals
Benefits of Medical Courts and/or Tribunals
From the Paper
"The United States legal system, at both the state and federal level, has never had the direct impact on an industry as it has on the U.S. health care industry. Currently, outside of very lax civil procedure rules, anyone can bring a medical malpractice claim and receive compensation without any factual findings made by a judge or jury. In other words, claimants may receive compensation from defendants without proving their allegations. Parties in medical liability lawsuits can hire so-called experts who routinely testify for the plaintiffs or defendants and skew their testimony towards the side who paid them to testify."
| |
|
Medical Malpractice, 2005.
This paper discusses the problems of medical malpractice especially errors in prescribing prescription drugs.
1,385 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 32.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that the FDA and numerous other organizations report that prescriptions drugs cause an enormous number of preventable injuries and death resulting in "cap" laws, a rise in insurance costs, regulations on physicians and the death of innumerable innocent civilians. The author points out that, on the other hand, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office finds that the costs associated with malpractice-buying insurance and paying out damage awards-amounts to less than two percent of America's skyrocketing healthcare expenses. The paper stresses that the problem of malpractice will not cease without the help of well trained doctors, honest and just politicians and insurance workers who value their customers.
From the Paper
"In light of numerous large payouts associated with medical malpractice, President George W. Bush called for strict limits on medical malpractice suits, including a "cap of $250,000 on what victims and their families could recover for non-economic damages." He also inflicted an attack on lawyers fees, including a drop from thirty percent, to twenty on cases less than 600K. On cases exceeding 600K, he dropped twenty percent to fifteen percent. Now, let's look more in-depth. When taking on a malpractice suit, it immediately throws the victim and lawyer into a David and Goliath situation, and in light of Bush's bill, "David has lost his sling.""
| |
|
Malpractice Insurance, 2004.
This paper discusses that insurance premiums for malpractice insurance for long-term care (LTC) have become prohibitive.
2,290 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 13 sources, APA, £ 48.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that, whereas other industries afflicted by high premiums have shifted some of this burden to the customer by increasing the fees charged, this is generally not an option for the LTC industry because the great majority of patients in nursing homes have their costs paid by federal Medicare and Medicaid programs. The author points out that the high costs of the litigious climate are causing some states, such as Florida and Texas, to implement damage award caps. The paper stresses that the goal of preventing abuse and increasing the standards of care in long-term facilities is being thwarted by a system that pits lawyers against nursing homes.
From the Paper
"The long-term care homes were the most profitable sector in the late 1980s, Fletcher writes, but are now the least profitable for the insurance industry. Losses are so extreme in the nursing home sector that many carriers are refusing to insure long-term facilities. Fletcher mentions two states, Florida and Texas that are hit particularly hard by insurance carrier losses. At the root of these skyrocketing premiums is the different legal climate that has awarded large settlements to plaintiffs in suits against LTC facilities."
| |
|
Nursing and Business Law, 2004.
This paper is an interview of a registered nurse in the OB/GYN department of a major medical provider about her profession?s concerns as related to recognized business law problems.
1,580 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 35.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that the primary concerns with regards to legal and ethical issues surrounding the interviewee?s career choice relate to ethical considerations, the legal system, and administrative regulations. The author points out that there is an increased incidence of worry and concern over malpractice claims, which has led to many nurses practicing defensive care with overly conservative treatment, rather than preventive and supportive care. The paper relates that this interview confirmed that nurses in the field are having a difficult time coping with increased demands on the scope of their duties, which brings about ethical issues in the medical community, because, in many situations, it impacts a nurse?s ability to provide optimal and direct patient care.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Interview Synopsis
Conclusions
From the Paper
"One of the first topics discussed were the challenges facing nurses in today?s economy. Based on an analysis of the economy in general and the current status of nursing within the United States, among the primary considerations legally and administratively for a majority of nurses, as confirmed by the interview include: Inadequate staffing, mandatory overtime and associated scheduling practices, ethical questions, occupational hazards and burn out. All of these issues have potential legal pitfalls."
|
|
|
