The Post Pandemic World and Litigations

Overview

The relationship between a doctor and a patient is a duty of help and service but in recent times the commercialisation and corporatisation of the medical and healthcare sector has changed the perspective and the nature of services being offered.  Also the pandemic has changed the healthcare sector and also the attitude of the government towards healthcare.

Changing Dynamics

Litigations and medicolegal issues in the current domain are very uncertain. The expectations in terms of quality and promising healthcare is on an increase and so is the cost and price of infrastructure and related assets.  The government is also aimed at providing uncompromised and quality healthcare to its subjects.  An evident example of this is the concept of Mohalla Clinics in Delhi and the implementation of Right to Health in the state of Rajsthan. The increasing awareness of the general public also proves that nothing but the best can only survive in this dynamic era.

Expectations and the Way Ahead

It is very important for healthcare professionals that they are carrying out their work in a highly competent and non compromising manner.This can only be done when a practitioner is delivering his services with perfection and sincerity. However doctors and other healthcare professionals are also humans and while in the course of their practice there are significant chances of error. An error in this field is not only a result of lack of knowledge or incompetence but often it is due to the misunderstanding and purposeful maliciousness.

Some common areas to keep a check

     I.          Proper Documentation and Consent

It is very important to document all the interactions and detailed prescriptions, no matter how busy a practitioner might be. Ignoring this could lead you into deep trouble.

  II.          Proper Communication

Clear and transparent communication aimed at giving all the details and eliminating misunderstandings is an excellent way to minimize conflicts between you and the patient. Just ensure that your patient understands about the procedures and also the associated risks.

III.          Following Guidelines

A very crucial aspect is to know the regulations, and the policies under which you have to operate and to follow them.

IV.          Building Strong and Personal Relationships 

The corporatisation and commercialisation has changed the nature of relationship between doctor and patient, but being empathetic and maintaining a personal bond can make things easier and effective.

 V.          Not promising what you can’t deliver

Being truthful and honest is expected of you during the course of your practice, and it can solve a great deal of problems. We suggest that overpromising should be avoided and transparency should be maintained.