The medical liability crisis continues to grow at an alarming rate and has particularly impacted perinatal and neonatal practice. This book focuses on issues which have a high vulnerability to claims of medical negligence. Its objective is the recognition of high-risk situations and the appropriate means to diagnose, treat, and document the response to such situations. Emphasis on record keeping, communication, and anticipatory behaviour is stressed. Chapters are accompanied by commentaries aimed at presenting alternative strategies. Authors have been chosen for their expertise in the subject and their abilities to communicate their points of view. This unique text focuses on an aspect of medical and nursing practice which has become a major area of importance in the medico-legal arena. The editors have made a special effort to aid both the medical and legal sectors in understanding the important issues involved in medical negligence cases. This book will help remedy this situation by examining the "red flags" in several high risk situations to enable the development of a prospective approach to risk management. The contributors are internationally recognised experts from the field of obstetrics, neonatology, nursing and hospital administration, as well as the legal profession.
The editors believe that this book will serve to bring about changes in the behaviour of health care professionals which will ultimately improve the quality of care that they give to their patients. This text should be on the bookshelf of any individual involved in the medical care of the pregnant woman and her newborn.