Endoscopic training directors: a few legal and ethical considerations

Abstract

This article has set out several relevant legal and ethical considerations for gastrointestinal endoscopic trainers. Fundamental liability issues for the trainer and trainee were reviewed, including the theories of vicarious liability. Endoscopic complications were viewed from a legal vantage point. Then, complications were analyzed from the perspective of how to teach the trainee to best risk-manage these problems. The concept of the standard of care was presented and was emphasized as a key teaching point. Adequate and accurate record keeping is underscored for its many useful purposes, including substantiating privilege requests and the termination of inadequate trainees. Lastly, the letter of recommendation was reviewed and the potential of liability associated with inaccurate letters was delineated.