REI Risk Management: Important Cases to Learn From

Steven Katz, MD

Thursday, March 24
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM

 0.75 CME

Session Description:

The field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility has expanded exponentially over the past 4 decades. Scientific advancements have far exceeded anyone's expectations. These advancements have greatly enhanced IVF success rates to the benefit of all. However, to the detriment of all, risk has increased enormously. The vast increase in IVF laboratory procedures alone and in conjunction with highly specific testing has led to inherent mistakes. Mistakes that are both human in nature and by sheer volume in nature.

This presentation presents specific methodologies in how to prevent IVF lab mistakes and presents concepts in how to mitigate a mistake from being exacerbated. The focus of this presentation is how to disclose a medical error and why communication between the IVF lab and the clinical practice is paramount in preventing IVF lab errors.

Multiple real IVF lab and clinical practice errors will be presented in an interactive manner with the audience. These true life examples will give the audience a tangible platform to meet the lecture objectives.

Session Objectives:

1. Discuss how to recognize a potential high-risk IVF laboratory situation before it occurs.
2. Outline how to manage communication systems to decrease the risk of an incident occurring.
3. Describe a culture of transparency in the IVF Lab.
4. Describe a culture of transparency with respect to medical and laboratory errors with patients.