The risks of complaints, claims, investigation and reputational risks are always present. Medico-legal risks may arise from failure to diagnose, late diagnosis or misdiagnosis, inadequate reassurance about symptoms, or failure to follow up or to properly refer to another practitioner.
These risks are increased due to the inability to perform a hands-on assessment and examination.
You can reduce the patient risk and medico-legal risk by:
- obtaining and documenting valid consent to treatment
- maintaining accurate and updated records
- ensuring optimal quality of technology equipment
- ensuring optimal storage of images.
- ensuring continuity of care
Risks associated with telehealth services can be minimized by having prior knowledge of the patient’s history and access to updated and detailed records. Ideally, there should exist a previous relationship between the patient and healthcare professional and/or clinical practice offering the service. However, this is not an essential requirement.