Workforce under pressure: Will more documentation improve patient safety?

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Workforce under pressure: Will more documentation improve patient safety?

26 October 2022

Gaeline Phipps

Wednesday 26 October 2022, 12:25 AM

Premature closure – a key factor in diagnostic error – is more common when there is time pressure [Image: Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash]

Wellington barrister Gaeline Phipps uses a recent decision from the Health and Disability Commissioner to illustrate how high workloads impact on clinical decision-making, patient handover and, ultimately, patient safety

Key points, The GP workforce crisis is real. High workloads and time pressures add challenges when obtaining patient histories, handing over patients and making, Pract Green w Pale Yellow

Medicolegal

General Practice

References

Grimmond D, Martin G, Tu D. 2021 GP Future Workforce Requirements Report. Allen + Clarke; October 2021. https://www.rnzcgp.org.nz/RNZCGP/Publications/GP_Future_Workforce_Requirements_Report.aspx
Todd K. GP shortage: People travelling hundreds of kms to see doctor. RNZ Checkpoint, 15 June 2022.
Wingfield T, Taegtmeyer M. Healthcare workers and coronavirus: behind the stiff upper lip we are highly vulnerable. 9 April 2020.
Health and Disability Commissioner. Case 19HDC00866. 30 June 2022. https://www.hdc.org.nz/media/6227/19hdc00866.pdf
Graber ML, Franklin N, Gordon R. Diagnostic error in internal medicine. Arch Intern Med 2005;165(13):1493–99.
Kumar B, Kanna B, Kumar S. The pitfalls of premature closure: clinical decision-making in a case of aortic dissection. BMJ Case Rep 2011;2011:bcr0820114594.

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