use shared-decision models when interacting with patients and determining the treatment process
to undergo. The first phase of this model is to determine the patient’s background, this is
imperative to provide an accurate understanding of the situation as well as any potential risks or
benefits involved when determining a decision. In the case a patient is unable to accurately
provide information and decisions themselves, a family member can do so.
Shared decision-making models determine how their organizations decision process will
provide the greatest results. Deficient supplies and insufficient time are important obstructions
when determining the essentials to provide quality care to the patients and are major barriers
which can result in an erroneous decision medically. For the physician to determine the best
possible treatment or procedure option to use it is important to use evidence-based practice.
Iturralde did not make a knowledgeable choice, and therefore choose a method that was not
ethically recommended, and in result causing a lot of issues and ultimately the patient’s life. The
healthcare provider should recognize an appropriate method, then converse the decision with the
beneficiaries of the patient ensuring all actions are agreed upon. Without this step, the provider
could potentially be sued for neglect as they did not accurately communicate with the
beneficiaries about substitute options and the proposed care plan. Dr. Ricketson did not
Malpractice Case Page 9
communicate with the patient or family that the titanium rods essential for surgery were missing,
and he intended to use the screwdriver shaft instead, violating the standard of care. A successful
provider and patient shared-decision making model could reduce any potential malpractices.
Shared Guidelines:
Ethical guidelines are in place within healthcare organizations to prevent incidents which
risk the patient’s safety and liability issues. Applying ethical guidelines help to improve the
organization and health of patients as well as improve the understanding of the healthcare
providers. Healthcare facilities could occupy a greater number of specialists, this will provide an
opportunity for the different providers to work together when assisting in treatment, helping
reduce the number of concerns with malpractice. Malpractice typically occurs as providers are
incapable of consulting colleagues on a patient’s conditions, resulting in a misunderstanding. If
there are a vaster amount of healthcare providers, they are more likely to stop on another from
practicing anything unethical or partaking in malpractice. Increasing the number of physicians
and specialist will help facilities keep up the increasing population of patients, helping reduce
risk or mistakes, in result reducing malpractices.
