Several members of the Princeton Insurance Healthcare Risk Services Department are certified as instructors by the Institute for Healthcare Communication (IHC – formerly the Bayer Institute).

Currently, Princeton Insurance is offering two courses: Clinician Patient Communication to Enhance Healthcare Outcomes (CPC) and Disclosing Unanticipated Outcomes and Medical Errors (DUOME).

CPC is based on extensive research and the premise that the physician-patient interview is a procedure. Therefore, the basics of interviewing can be taught so that any physician may move from the fundamental “find it/fix it” model of diagnostics to a more in-depth paradigm of care. By including four elements of communication to find it/fix it, the physician will be able to improve their diagnostic ability and minimize liability.

DUOME is rooted in the current culture of dialogue between physician and patient/family at a most stressful time. The course takes into account that each participant works within different guidelines and with their own style of communication. The program uses guided practice, as does CPC. The strength of both courses lies in the fact that participants coach each other, and they are also coached by the instructor. This layering of experiences, coupled with less didactic learning than other courses may require, gives participants an in-depth learning experience.

These two continuing education activities meet the criteria set by the Institute for Healthcare Communication for both Category I of the Physician’s Recognition Award of the American Medical Association and the Continuing Education for Professional Nursing. Credit hours will vary according to the different program lengths available.

If you are interested in taking these courses, contact Princeton Insurance through the Risk Management Line at 866-RX-4-Risk.

Another way Princeton Insurance enables its policyholders to earn CME/CDE credits is through Zarin’s Medical Liability Alert and Dental Liability Alert publications.

Princeton Insurance issues a premium credit equal to costs of subscription and/or CME/CDE to those who participate in the Medical Liability Alert or Dental Liability Alert program. You may choose to subscribe to the newsletter, or subscribe to the newsletter and enroll in the continuing education program associated with it. In order to be eligible for the premium credit, your Zarin’s subscription must have been in effect for at least six months at the time your renewal notice is sent. Please note that part-time insured will receive a premium credit equal to one-half of the cost of the Zarin’s enrollment.

About the publications

These publications provide a composite of actual malpractice cases, complete with details about trials and practical risk management advisories written by experienced malpractice attorneys.

This excellent program offers the following benefits:

•       Improved practice habits and enhanced patient care through specific recommendations

•       Reduced exposure to liability through avoidance of common practice errors

•       Twelve hours of Category 1 CME credit for physicians

•       Six hours of Category 1 CDE credit for dentists

Risk Management, in addition to mitigating liability associated with adverse outcomes, has a positive impact on your ability to provide excellent patient care. We encourage you to subscribe and invite you to participate in this continuing education program.

Please call Zarin’s directly (973) 376-9002 or visit their Web site to subscribe.