Risk Management in Emergency Department

Abstract

Risk Management includes risk identification, assessment, prevention, control and event handling when they occur. With the change of social culture and public expectation, the need for more emphasis on risk management in clinical practice has become increasingly obvious. It is especially applicable to the practice of Emergency Medicine, which by its nature has intrinsic weaknesses vulnerable to mistakes and dissatisfaction. The newer trend recognises that the patient is the only one who is at real risk. In order to protect the patient and to lower litigation rate, the function of modern risk management is to ensure that every patient is handled in a correct, humane manner and to everybody's satisfaction. There are a few important concepts in modern risk management and risk classification. Many different methods are available for identifying high-risk areas in relation to the practice of Emergency Medicine. Strategies in preventing or minimising unsatisfactory outcomes vary, but are essentially linked to the commitment for the provision of quality care and clinical audit. Non-clinical events and medical insurance also have their share in risk management. In essence, careful planning, adequate preparation and continuous monitoring are required to ensure that potential problems can be dealt with quickly and effectively should they occur.