Pro Bono: Staying Current on Data Can Reduce Liability

As the healthcare system continues its pace of dizzying change, a sharp focus continues to be placed on value-based reimbursement. This means that payers-most notably the federal government-want to reimburse only for things that are proven to benefit patients. It's likely that full linkage of value-based payments to EMS is some ways off, but the message is clear: EMS must be able to objectively and scientifically demonstrate that all of its practices, methods and treatments are sound and rooted in data. Data is Evidence Just think of the list of all the latest and greatest gadgets and techniques that have fallen out of favor over the years because the data to support them just wasn't there. Doesn't that make you just want to wear your MAST trousers to a disco party? As we've written about for years in the pages of JEMS, an EMS provider (or agency) can be liable for the tort of negligence if they deviate from the applicable standard of care (this is called a "breach of duty") and results in harm to a patient or another person. There are a number of procedures in widespread, everyday use in EMS that rely on questionable, or even non-existent, data or evidence to support them. The use of red lights and siren is a good example and has been written about extensively in recent years. Another current example is spinal immobilization techniques-a longstanding practice in EMS that is facing renewed scrutiny. The days of the long spine board, which is already out of use ...
Source: JEMS Administration and Leadership - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Documentation & Patient Care Reporting Columns Administration and Leadership Source Type: news