Risk Management Key Factors for Colorectal Cancer

The following list describes the key risk factors in colorectal cancer malpractice cases:

1. Patient with rectal bleeding did not receive a prompt diagnostic evaluation
2. Over-reliance on previously normal findings may lead to narrow diagnostic focus
3. Breakdowns in screening protocol
4. Primary care provider fails to refer symptomatic patient to specialist
5. Breakdowns in diagnostic test ordering, scheduling
6. Scheduled test not performed
7. Patient’s informed refusal not documented
8. Ordering or follow-up of screening/diagnostic procedures inadequately documented
9. Narrow diagnostic focus, failure to establish differential diagnosis
10. Abnormal finding not adequately evaluated
11. Clinician does not convey to the patient the importance of keeping appointments for testing and follow up
12. Multiple providers fail to coordinate care of a shared patient and communicate important information to patient and each other
13. Patient is not notified of test results

See Also

• Data for Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis-related Cases
• Colorectal Risk Management and Recommendations
• CME credit opportunity: Colorectal Cancer Decision Support Test