Quest 2018 - CEA
Quest 2018 which was held on July 1st 2018 at the Decennial Hall of Father Muller Medical College was indeed an elucidative experience for the students and practitioners alike.
The event brought together around 400 students of Homoeopathic and Allopathic fields from different colleges in and outside Mangalore. The programme focused on ‘Medical Records and Its Legal Aspects’.
The inauguration ceremony began with welcoming statements by Dr Shivaprasad, Principal of Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College and lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. The chief guest was Mr Rama Rao, Assistant Commissioner of Police of Southern division, Mangaluru. He explained the importance of medical reports and history sheets given by the doctors involving a case of injury or grievous hurt. The legal importance of good medical reports is vital to the case of the patient. He also mentioned the substance abuse and addictions commonly seen among students. Fr. Richard Coelho then highlighted the speciality of Mangalore and the quality education and services rendered by Father Muller Charitable Institutions. Dr Madona Joseph, prof. and HOD, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical college, Mangaluru then proposed the vote of thanks to the dignitaries for their presence and to everyone who contributed and were involved in making Quest 2018 a success.
A short tea break was then taken before beginning the sessions. The opening session was by Mr Mahesh Chandra, Advocate and LLM Prof., SDM Law College, Mangalore. He highlighted the Legal Aspects of Documentation and explained why documentation is important to avoid litigation and ensure protection in case of misunderstandings or misjudgement. He underscored the need for correct prescription of safe drugs from Medical stores. Discharge summaries serve as the primary document for communicating a patient’s care plan. Consent forms, investigation reports and referral notes etc. were of importance to prevent allegations against the medical professional. He spoke of the different categories of medical record including X-rays, photographs and computerised records and their period of preservation.
Good medical reports corroborate evidence given in court and will enhance credibility.
The next featured speaker, Dr Nagesh K.R., Prof. and HOD, Dept. Of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore then made a presentation on ‘Documentation of Medical Records’. He spoke on their purpose to record facts about the patient’s health during the attendance at the healthcare facility. They are also vital for continuity of care of the patient. Medico-legal consultants may also advise the retention of medical records which are needed to safeguard the health professional in defending a complaint or medical negligence claims. He also mentioned The Clinical Establishment [Registration and Regulation] Act, 2010 that had enacted by the Central Government.
Doctor’s Day was then celebrated by giving mementos to all the doctors present at the event. A quiz was also conducted by Dr Hareesh Gowda during the lunch break. After the lunch break, the next session was by Dr Hareesh Gowda, Associate prof., Dept. Of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Father Muller Medical College Mangalore, on ‘The Medical Certification of Cause of Death’. He explained how they are the source of cause-specific mortality statistics which helps to indicate health trends, mortality patterns, the magnitude of diseases, formulation of health programmes, the impact of health services and the scientific basis for research. The prime responsibility of the physician is to write the cause of death in detail to the best of their knowledge as per ICD-10 by the World Health Organisation.
Medical certification of cause of death scheme is an important tool for obtaining scientific information regarding causes of mortality.
Dr Francis, Vice Dean and prof., Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AJ Institute of Medical Science, Mangalore, conducted the next session on ‘Age Determination in Live Individuals’. He spoke on how no age is immune from medico-legal scrutiny, the medicolegal importance of different ages and the methods of age determination in living beings.
The programme was compered by Dr Alok Ramdas and Dr Mookambika who did a great job throughout. The woman behind the success of the event, Dr Madona Joseph was keen on supervising the event and making sure everything took place efficiently until the end.
As students, the event was informative and helpful to improve our knowledge of medical records, their legal aspects and age determination. Out of all four sessions, the one by Dr Francis was extremely helpful and informative. There was a good ambience in the hall and the speakers kept everyone captivated and eager to know more.
Dr Diana concluded the programme by giving a vote of thanks to everyone present there and to Dr Madona for organising such an event for the students to give them an exceptional learning experience
