University:
Liberty University
Course:
BIOM 500 | Introduction to Biomedical Sciences
Academic year:

2024
Views:

326

Pages:

5
Author:

Sheha A.

Medico Legal Issues Medico-legal cases (MLC) are an integral part of medical practice. They are essentially complaints lodged by patients encompassed by medical officers. PSO (Police Surgeon Office) handling & accurate documentation of these cases is of paramount importance. Important measures to avoid legal complications one should do to ensure that the output of MLC is defined as the entitled benefit: Doctor as an expert witness, taking care of medical examinations, law considerations, investigations, case submissions, medical certificates, case summaries, and expert opinions. Doctors (case examiners) must assess situations and prioritize to access cases quickly. Doctors must be sensitive and skillful in dealing with the law enforcement agencies. Doctors must be aware of the law and implement accordingly. Examples of MLC cases: * Road traffic accidents * Electrical injuries * Poisoning (alcohol, intoxication) * Drowning * Burns * Self-inflicted injuries * Anthropogenic diseases **Role and responsibilities of MLC doctor:** * Make a proper observation of the patient and fills the case sheet * Deal with the patient and relatives with care and effort to be compassionate * Makes proper observation of patient's condition. **Patient and relatives responsibilities:** * Admit patient to hospital, Police, VRO and passport possession * Deal with patient carefully who is suffering from illness. * Patient's valuables and clothes should be handed over to relatives with proper receipt. * Patient's valuables and clothes should be kept in safe custody. Role of Nurse in Admission Receives patient's chit Assesses the patient and assigns patient's bed and room Completes patient's admission checklist Tells rules & regulations to patient Completes patient's admission charts Takes temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, pulse of patient Sees to collection of investigations Follows physician's orders regarding investigations Gives prescribed medicines, applies dressings based on physician's advice Informs the physician Gives instructions to patient & relatives in the case of belongings & valuables