Shoulder Dystocia Clinician-Patient Disclosure -Activity ID 3426

This enduring activity is designed to assist physicians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs) enhance their communication skills when disclosing a shoulder dystocia injury to patients and family members. This type of injury to the infant may, unfortunately, occur despite the best of care, however effective clinician-patient communication is an integral part of clinical practice and has been shown to positively influence outcomes by increasing patient understanding and trust. This program will review a “common” and an “improved” discussion following a vaginal delivery with a neonatal shoulder dystocia injury. These discussions should occur immediately following delivery, and at 12 to 24 hours postpartum. We will also gain insight into the steps in the disclosure process from a medical malpractice legal expert.

Learning Outcome Statement: 80% of learners will demonstrate increased knowledge of best practices for communicating the events of a shoulder dystocia delivery and newborn follow up to patients and their support person by scoring 80% or higher on a post-test.

To obtain credit and a certificate of completion, learners must score 80% or higher on a post-test and complete a program evaluation.

Learning Objectives apply to all professions.

1. Implement one or more changes involving verbal communication that will improve patient perception of the disclosure process.
2. Apply non-verbal communication strategies to convey empathy and sympathy for an adverse event.
3. Adhere to communication strategies to positively influence outcomes by increasing patient understanding and trust.

The Doctors Company is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 0.5 nursing contact hours. Learners should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclaimer
The information and guidelines contained in this activity are generalized and may not apply to all practice situations. We recommend that legal advice be obtained from a qualified attorney for specific application to your practice. The information is intended for educational purposes and should be used as a reference guide only.

State Requirements for Continuing Education
Please see your state licensing organization for continuing education requirements for your profession and specialty.

Accessibility
The Doctors Company is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods, and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008. If you have needs that require special accommodation, please contact the program coordinator or our CPE Coordinator.

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