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What Do I Say?: Communicating Intended or Unanticipated Outcomes in Obstetrics

ISBN: 978-0-787-96654-6

April 2003

Jossey-Bass

192 pages

Description
What Do I Say? Communicating Intended or Unanticipated Outcomes in Obstetrics will help physicians and other health care professionals improve their communication skills with patients and their family members. Written by James R. Woods, a perinatologist, and Fay A. Rozovsky, an attorney, risk management professional, and authority on informed consent, What Do I Say? explores how to explain risk to patients, how to obtain patient consent, and how to talk with patients when adverse events occur.

"There has been increased evidence placed on the patient's right to know and malpractice litigation in obstetrics continues to soar. It will be a great resource for health care risk managers, obstetrical clinicians, attending physicians, residents, and nurses."
— Robin Maley, B.S.N., M.P.H., president, Maley Healthcare Strategies


"It is unusual to see a book like this by authors with [the] kind of experience and interest that James Woods and Fay Rozovsky possess. This book has the potential to become the definitive text on informed consent and disclosure of adverse events."
— Nancy A. Moree, R.N., M.A., C.N.A.A., Patient Safety Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, New Jersey

"By the authors placing emphasis on the need for ongoing two-way
communication between the patient and the caregiver, this book becomes an
important and very useful resource for health care professionals."
— Don M. Nielsen, M.D., senior vice president, quality leadership, American Hospital Association




  • Explains consentas a foundation of the caregiver-patient relationship
  • Explains the legal context for disclosing bad news
  • Outlines the practical issues associated with OB consent

In addition to the information, research, and practical advice contained in this helpful volume, What Do I Say? is filled with useful case examples that can prepare physicians and other health care professionals for handling communications in potentially high-risk situations.

About the Author
James R. Woods, M.D., is the Henry A. Thiede Professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York.

Fay A. Rozovsky, J.D., M.P.H., is senior vice president in the Healthcare Practice of Marsh Inc. She has more than twenty years experience as a health care risk management consultant and attorney.