Doctors, Take a Lesson from Lawyers: CYA

Lawyers are trained to document every conversation and communication in writing.  In its dimmest light, it is simple CYA.  More generously, putting things in writing ensures that everyone is on the same page and that time and faulty memory doesn’t distort things. It’s hard enough to communicate let alone remember communication!  Doctors have to learn to put things in writing more.

Admittedly, putting things in writing takes time and can be viewed as hostile.  Culturally, while lawyers are used to putting things in writing and don’t take that personally, the same may not be true in the world of healthcare.  Still, documenting in writing conversations and agreements between people can go a long way to avoid liability and conflict.

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