Preventing Medical Errors in Behavioral Health

Aug. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- Preventing Medical Errors in Behavioral Health is intended to increase clinicians’ awareness of the types of errors that can occur within mental health practice, how such errors damage clients, and numerous ways they can be prevented. Its emphasis is on areas within mental health practice that carry the potential for "medical" errors. Examples include improper diagnosis, breach of confidentiality, failure to maintain accurate clinical records, failure to comply with mandatory abuse reporting laws, inadequate assessment of potential for violence, and the failure to detect medical conditions presenting as psychiatric disorders (or vice-versa). It includes detailed plans for error reduction and prevention like root cause analysis, habitual attention to patient safety, and ethical and legal guidelines. The course includes numerous cases illustrations to help demonstrate common and not-so-common behavioral health errors and specific practices that can help clinicians become proactive in preventing them. Course #20-10B | 2010 | 31 pages | 15 posttest questions | http://www.pdresources.org/CourseDetail.aspx?Category=Med...

Customer Reviews:

"I really enjoyed the course. There is a lot of good information." - L.R. Counselor

"Was glad the course included mental health specific information." - K.F. Social Worker

"QUALITY was MUCH IMPROVED over previous exams and content more relevant to Mental Health Professions." - K.G. Social Worker

"This course was well designed and very informative." - H.K. Social Worker

Learning Objectives:

1. Name at least six examples of medical errors in behavioral health practice
2. Distinguish between human error and system failures
3. Identify the conditions under which mental health professionals have a “duty to warn”
4. Name ways in which the informed consent process can help prevent practice errors
5. List eight strategies mental health professionals can use to prevent medical errors

About the Author(s):

Susan Mitchell, PhD, is co-author along with Dr. Christie of three books, Fat is Not Your Fate, I’d Kill for a Cookie, and Eat to Stay Young. She serves as the nutrition expert for ThirdAge.com. Dr. Mitchell is a contributing author to Macmillan Reference USA's Guide to World Nutrition and Health and has been an expert witness in medical malpractice cases. A Registered Dietitian, Certified Nutrition Specialist and Fellow of the American Dietetic Association, Dr. Mitchell earned her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and taught nutrition and health science at the University of Central Florida for over 8 years.

Catherine Christie, PhD, is co-author along with Dr. Mitchell of three books, Fat is Not Your Fate, I’d Kill for a Cookie, and Eat to Stay Young. A Licensed Nutritionist, Certified Nutrition Specialist and Fellow of the American Dietetic Association, she earned her Ph.D. from Florida State University. Dr. Christie is Nutrition Program Director and MSH/Dietetic Internship Director at the University of North Florida. In her 17 years of clinical practice, Dr. Christie consulted with many facilities and individuals in all areas of medical nutrition therapy. She has given over 1000 seminars to health professionals across the country.

Leo Christie, PhD, is a Florida-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Florida State University. Past President of the Florida Council on Family Relations, Dr. Christie is currently CEO of Professional Development Resources, a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to deliver continuing education credit courses to healthcare professionals throughout the United States. He has more than 20 years experience in private practice with a specialty in child behavior disorders and as an instructor of over 500 live continuing education seminars for healthcare professionals.

CE Information:

Professional Development Resources is recognized as a provider of continuing education by the following:

APA: American Psychological Association
ASWB: Association of Social Work Boards (#1046)
NBCC: National Board for Certified Counselors (#5590)
NAADAC: National Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors (#00279)
Florida: Boards of SW, MFT & MHC (#BAP346); Psychology & School Psychology (#50-1635); PDResources is CE Broker compliant.

# # #

Professional Development Resources, Inc. is a nonprofit educational corporation organized in 1992. Our mission is to provide healthcare professionals with accredited continuing education courses on topics that are vital to contemporary clinical practice.