Programme for Pre-Conference Workshops
Workshop 1 (7th Sept 2026)
Programme for Pre-Conference Workshops
Workshop 2 (8th Sept 2026)
*Program times are tentative and subject to change
MEDICOLEGAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION WORKSHOPS
FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Overview
Healthcare professionals face increasing medicolegal risks and the burden of compensatory claims from medicolegal litigation. At the same time, recent Malaysian judicial decisions have stressed the need for better dispute resolution for medicolegal cases, citing the need to expedite patient care, allowing for closure, facilitating process improvements, reducing costs and further aggravation to involved parties, not to mention avoiding wasting the courts time amongst others. Many advocate for alternative dispute resolution as an appropriate measure to manage this worsening problem for all involved.
One of the key points that persistently arise is that healthcare professionals seem to be poorly adept at dispute resolution itself. Therefore, to move forward, skills in dispute resolution are needed. These specific skills include the ability to effectively manage and resolve disputes at an earlier stage - just after the occurrence of an adverse outcome up to the complaints stage, even before reaching a stage of a medicolegal court proceeding.
Therefore, these workshops aim to teach these specific skills, covering topics like communication gaps, de-escalation, disclosure and apology, negotiation, giving expert testimony, providing and defending your professional opinions etc. specifically in medicolegal matters. We may also explore alternative dispute resolution methods and provide insights into best practices for handling patient complaints and legal claims.
Key Aspects of a Medicolegal Dispute Resolution Workshops
Workshop 1
Communications in Dispute Resolution
Managing Disclosure and Apology
Participants learn strategies for de-escalating conflicts, facilitating open communication, and understanding one's own personality traits that promote successful dispute resolution.
How to disclose details after an adverse / or potentially adverse medical incident and how to give an apology.
Workshop 2
Applying Negotiation Strategies
Understanding interest-based negotiations, incorporating alternate possibilities using BATNA scenarios; thereby reaching mutually agreeable solutions.
Being an Expert
This workshop looks at the clinician’s role as a clinical expert - How to write an expert opinion, how to defend one’s own opinion and how to give testimony under cross-examination.
Best Practices using Simulated Scenarios
Both workshops will use simulated common clinical scenarios for managing patient complaints, communicating with patients and families in avoiding or resolving disputes. More importantly, both workshops will delve into the shared experiences of facilitators and participants to examine best practices and strategies at problem-solving various simulated scenarios.
Case Studies and Role-Playing
Participants will primarily engage in practical exercises, case studies, and role-playing scenarios to apply their learning and develop their skills. This will be the focus of both workshops. Most of the lecture materials will be provided as pre-reading materials that should be covered by all participants before the start of the workshops.
Benefits of Attending a Medico-Legal Dispute Resolution Workshop
Improved Communication and Patient Relations
Participants learn how to communicate effectively with patients and families, potentially preventing misunderstandings and resolving disputes amicably.
Enhanced Patient Confidence
Prompt and effective resolution of disputes can help restore patient confidence in the healthcare system.
Reduced Litigation Costs and Time
By resolving disputes through ADR methods, healthcare institutions and individuals can potentially avoid the costs and time associated with litigation.
Professional Development
Attending the workshop can contribute to professional development and enhance expertise in managing medico-legal issue.
Specifications
These workshops are initially aimed at healthcare providers who deal frequently with high-risk medicolegal cases, at different phases of interactions with the other side, from initial complaint management to the inquiry processes, following onto the claims for remuneration. It specifically excludes the phases involving the courts, and mediation - which for now, shall be considered as outside the scope of this workshop.
Note: Participants may enroll for both workshops together. Participants must have completed Workshop 1, before attending Workshop 2. Participants who have attended Workshop 1 previously, may enroll directly for Workshop 2.
Lectures
Pre-Reading Materials
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De-escalation and Communications in Dispute Situations
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Disclosure and Apology
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Interest-based Negotiations
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Your Opinion as a Clinical Expert
Course Facilitators
Dr Teo Aik Howe
Senior Consultant Emergency Physician, Hospital Pulau Pinang
Dr Adeline Marie
Emergency Physician with Masters in Healthcare and Medical Law
Datuk Dr Alzamani
Consultant Emergency Physician & HOD Emergency Department Hospital Kuala Lumpur
