Standard of Care – A Survey of Medical Specialist

Clinical Perspectives on ‘Standard of Care’ in Patient Care Scenarios

Introduction

Thank you for participating.

The purpose of this survey is to better understand how medical specialists interpret and apply the concept commonly referred to as “standard of care” when evaluating clinical situations.

The majority of this survey is straight-forward Q&A multiple choice or short-answer questions.

There is one group of questions based upon a patient care scenario adapted from medical malpractice litigation.

Please answer based on your own clinical judgment, training, specialty experience, what you believe, and what you believe reasonably competent physicians in your specialty would do under similar circumstances.

There are no right or wrong answers.

Estimated completion time: 10-20 min.

Professional Background: What is your primary specialty?

Years in practice

Less than 5

5–10

11–20

21–30

More than 30

Where do you practice your specialty? You may choose more than one answer

Public hospital

Government hospital (such as Veterans Affairs)

Private practice

Community clinic

Academic medical center

Academic medical setting

Other (please use comment box below)

Please provide a zip code where you most often practice your specialty

The Concept of "Standard of Care" — Do you believe there is a clear definition of the medical "Standard of Care" physicians are expected to provide?

Yes

Other (use comment box below)

Which, if any, of these options most closely matches your understanding?

The treatment most physicians provide

The treatment suggested by published clinical guidelines

The best possible care available

The safest possible care regardless of cost

Other (use comment box below)

How strongly do you agree? "The meaning of 'Standard of Care' varies among physicians"

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

What is your definition or understanding of "Standard of Care"?

What "version" of 'Standard of Care' do you most consider when practicing your specialty? For example, do you focus on clinical guidelines? Focus on your understanding of the concept? Do you apply a combination of several understandings – If so, which ones and why?

Do you believe there are medical experts who possess a complete understanding of the definition of "Standard of Care" and how it should be applied in clinical settings?

Yes

Other (use comment box below)

To what degree do you believe a medical expert offering testimony in a malpractice trial should influence the decision of a judge or jury?

Not Much

Very Much

What is the reasoning behind the degree to which you believe medical experts should influence the outcome of malpractice trials?

Do you believe there are alternative "authorities" on the concept of Standard of Care who could offer expert testimony for consideration in malpractice trials?

Yes

Other (use comment box below)

Below are some examples of "authorities" on Standard of Care. Please choose whose input you'd find acceptable for consideration in malpractice trials. You may use the comment box below to expand upon which authorities you feel should or shouldn't "carry weight" over trial decisions, or why you feel some are more qualified than others, Etc.

Medical specialists as expert witnesses

Representatives from specialized medical associations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, etc.

Government authorities who set baseline health and safety rules

Hospital administrators or directors responsible for setting organizational guidelines

Academic professionals in specialized medical fields of study

Other (use comment box below)

Do you believe one expert can define the correct medical Standard of Care in clinical settings?

Yes

Perhaps (use comment box below)

Do you believe there is a correct definition of "Standard of Care"? Why or why not? Please use the comment box to explain your response

Yes

Would you like there to be an official definition of "Standard of Care" for physicians to apply in their practice? Why or why not? Please use the comment box if you wish to explain your response

Yes

Finally, what are your feelings about the present concept of "Standard of Care" in the medical field?

Is there anything you would like to add about this topic, or other topics or experiences related to the concept of "Standard of Care"?

Note: This survey is entirely voluntary. Answer as many questions as you’d like, and please feel free to stop the survey at any time. We thank you for your participation! And we welcome you to contact us with inquiries, comments, or to let us know something has gone “buggy” with the survey (we appreciate when folks let us know!) 🙂 Thank You.

Specialist Survey

Clinical Perspectives on ‘Standard of Care’ in Patient Care Scenarios

Introduction