News: Effective documentation may help defend decubitus ulcer malpractice suits

Effective documentation of the condition and the patients’ co-morbidities may help lawyers successfully defend physicians in litigation regarding decubitus ulcer cases, according to an article in MDNews.

“Obtaining appropriate consultations, laboratory data and imaging can assist the defense of the physician and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome of the litigation,” the article states. “Proper evaluation and documentation of all decubitus ulcers by the physician assists in demonstrating that he or she was involved in the development and management of the plan of care. A failure of a physician to accurately document the presence of all of the patient’s decubitus ulcers is often viewed poorly by a lay jury. Inconsistencies with the nursing notes are also problematic. Additionally, documentation as to the etiology of the wound can assist in the defense.”