Malpractice aspects of medically prescribed exercise.

Abstract

Stress exercise testing of suspected or known cardiacs and medical recommendations to patients to undertake physical fitness conditioning exercise programs constitute medical treatment in the eyes of the law and as such render the prescribing and supervising physicians legally responsible for harmful consequences to the patient to the same degree and under the same legal principles applicable for other medically prescribed diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The physician who employs a stress exercise test or who recommends that a patient engage in exercise as part of a prophylactic, rehabilitative, or therapeutic program must be alert to those aspects of his recommendations which possess potential malpractice hazards. In particular, he should direct his attention to recognized indications and contraindications of exercise test and exercise programs. Furthermore, he should perform an adequate preexercise screening examination and he must make sure that the exercise is properly monitored; that it is immediately terminated upon onset of signs or symptoms of impending serious reactions; that adequate advance preparations have been made for the treatment of foreseeable emergencies, particularly those requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced life support; and that such treatment is in full accord with generally accepted and proper medical standards. Finally, the physician must make certain that he adequately informs the patient of the potential risks and hazards associated with exercise stress testing and exercise programs so that the consent to such procedures can be classified legally as valid and "informed".