Epstein J I
Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Am J Surg Pathol. 2001 Apr;25(4):527-37. doi: 10.1097/00000478-200104000-00014.
This review article covers the full range of issues concerning malpractice as it relates to pathologists. Following a brief summary as to the incidence and general statistics on the outcome of lawsuits as well as common pathology misdiagnoses resulting in lawsuits, the definition of malpractice is discussed. These include duty, breech of standard of care, proximal cause, and damage. Details are provided as to what a pathologist should do from the initial threat of a lawsuit, to the initial lawsuit, and through the initial physician/lawyer meeting. An in-depth analysis as to how pathologists should handle themselves through the discovery process and, in particular, deposition is provided. Plaintiff attorneys' goals at deposition are covered in depth. These goals include: 1) education about the pathologist's case and strategies; 2) impeachment of the pathologist's credibility; and 3) judgment as to how effective a witness the pathologist will be at trial. Various types of plaintiff's attorney at deposition are summarized. Also discussed is the post-deposition meeting with the legal representative, whether to settle, and specific issues relating to trial. Finally, general tips on how to avoid a lawsuit in pathology are reviewed.
这篇综述文章涵盖了与病理学家相关的医疗事故的所有问题。在简要总结诉讼结果的发生率和一般统计数据以及导致诉讼的常见病理误诊情况之后，讨论了医疗事故的定义。这些包括职责、违反护理标准、近因和损害。详细说明了病理学家从诉讼的最初威胁到最初诉讼，再到最初的医生/律师会面应该做些什么。提供了关于病理学家在发现过程中，特别是在证词采集中应如何应对的深入分析。深入探讨了原告律师在证词采集中的目标。这些目标包括：1）了解病理学家的案件和策略；2）质疑病理学家的可信度；3）判断病理学家在审判中作为证人的有效性。总结了各种类型的原告律师在证词采集中的情况。还讨论了与法律代表的证词采集后会议、是否和解以及与审判相关的具体问题。最后，回顾了关于如何避免病理领域诉讼的一般提示。
