Handout - Post-operative complications – pre-emptive strategies

Pre-mortem strategy

• Solve problems that have not yet occurred
• Identify potential issues before they happen
• How to prevent them from happening

Post-op complications (side effect)

“a secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment”.

Procedural complications

“a circumstance that complicates something; a difficulty”.

Failed treatment

Strategies for management

• Dental Board – “Scope of Practice Guidelines”
• http://www.dentalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/Policies-Codes-Guidelines/Guidelines-Scope-of-practice.aspx

Late referral

• To 3rd party if/when complication arises
• Proactive referral & follow up patient

Correct yourself

Redo or treat complication

No strategy

• Complications not discussed
• Patient discharged OR
• Decision made to extract or refund

Informed Consent

Rx planning with full disclosure of:

• Suggested Rx & options
• Prognosis (success – failure)
• Procedural complications &/or “side effects”
• Referral to 3rd party for completion
• Treatment outcome
• Early referral
• Logistic & Fee Consent

Key Messages

• Constantly upgrade technical skills, but always operate within your scope of practice
• Be aware of risks and disclose to patient
• Be honest
• Know when to refer for specialist opinion or treatment
• Notify MIPS – a policy requirement. Obtain and follow the advice

General/membership enquiries
1800 061 113 or
+61 3 8620 8888 outside Australia
info@mips.com.au

24 hour Clinico-Legal Advice & Support
1800 021 223 or
+61 3 8620 8829 outside Australia
claims@mips.com.au

Postal address
PO Box 24240
Melbourne VIC 3001