Midwifing the Midwives: The Emotional Impact of Adverse Outcome Liability
Friday, May 31, 3:45 - 4:45PM
Panelists: Mary Kaye Collins, CNM, JD; Bill McCool, CNM, PhD; Patrice Weiss, MD; Rich Waldman, MD
Moderated by: Mamie Guidera, CNM, MSN
Medical errors, adverse outcomes, and legal liability are issues that affect midwives and our collaborating physicians as we strive to provide evidence-based, family-centered care. It is vital that we understand the emotional impact that these issues present to our personal and professional lives. Providers who have experienced an adverse outcome or litigation resulting from an adverse outcome feel isolated and can become plagued by self-doubt. Some may stop practicing, although most will change their practice as a result of litigation. According to the most recent professional liability surveys by the ACNM and ACOG, a majority of providers will change the manner in which they practice out of fear of error, adverse outcome, or potential litigation (Guidera, McCool, Hanlon, Schuiling, & Smith, 2012; Klagholz & Strunk, 2012). This panel presentation/collaboration made up of midwives and physicians will explore the emotional impact of litigation for midwives and physicians and ways that we can support one another personally and professionally to reduce error and emerge as more knowledgeable and supportive professionals.
