It is an unfortunate reality that sometimes things don't go to plan when treating skin cancer. In this short video, Associate Professor Tony Dicker discusses what to do when skin cancer surgery goes wrong, including how you can de-escalate problems and mitigate risk from a medicolegal standpoint, and how to avoid complications in the first place.
For further information on this topic, you may be interested to learn more about the HealthCert Professional Diploma program in Skin Cancer Surgery.
Watch the short video now:
In the video, A/Prof Dicker says that although doctors always want the best for their patients and want to provide them with the best surgical outcomes, sometimes things don't go to plan. He says that when skin cancer surgery goes wrong, it's important to mitigate the risk of problems escalating from there.
Some skin cancer surgery complications include infection, broken sutures, and bleeding.
A/Prof Dicker explains that doctors should communicate with patients and acknowledge when complications occur so that you are both on the same page. From a medicolegal standpoint, bringing your viewpoint into alignment with the patient's will help to de-escalate the problem.
''I say to the patient, ''I'm sorry you've had this experience.'' That's different to saying ''This is my fault.''," says A/Prof Dicker.
The video covers some practical advice for preventing complications from occurring, such as:
- Having appropriate skills and training to perform skin cancer surgery
- Working in an appropriate environment / within the scope of the facilities
- Working within your abilities
Watch all this and much more in the full video above!
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