Biomedical subjects
S M Skoumal
Publications and source records attributed to S M Skoumal.
Automated cytologic screening devices and malpractice liability.
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Malpractice in gynecologic cytology: a need for expert witness guidelines.
The malpractice claims activity in anatomic pathology has sharply increased in recent years. On a relative and absolute basis, a leading area of increase for claims is cervicovaginal (Pap smear) cytology. As never before, pathologists are faced with the threat of litigation and acting as defendants in medical-legal actions. Defending claims of malpractice in Pap smear litigation can be difficult. The expert witness for the plaintiff often performs a selective retrospective review of the Pap smear of the plaintiff, compared with the screening examination performed by the defendant. In addition, it is unclear whether atypical or dysplastic cells are within the standard of practice and should be discovered by the Pap smear screener. A proposal for a forum to develop guidelines for expert witness testimony in Pap smear cytology is discussed.
Establishing standards of care.
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Malpractice protection: communication of diagnostic uncertainty.
Malpractice claims against pathologists for misdiagnosis have been sharply rising, especially in the areas of breast fine-needle aspirations (BFNAs) and cervical (Pap) smears. The current state of medical malpractice law is reviewed as it relates to pathologists' anatomic reports. Communication is one of the best medical malpractice prevention tools. This article examines anatomic pathology reports in terms of the merits of communicating diagnostic error rates to the clinician/patient. In the areas of BFNAs and cervical smears, dissemination of diagnostic error rates in the cytology report is recommended. This would help safeguard against malpractice liability being imposed without showing a deviation by the cytopathologist from reasonable practice standards.
False positives and malpractice risk.
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