Professional Conduct Report

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Dr. Richard Barr sanctioned for unprofessional conduct

Dr. Richard Barr, a urologist from Calgary, was found guilty of unprofessional conduct by a CPSA hearing tribunal for failing to ensure a patient was adequately informed of a pre-operative plan to taper their anticoagulant medication.

Background

In 2016, a patient of Dr. Barr’s was meant to be seen by an anticoagulation clinic a week before a scheduled surgical procedure, to discuss how best to discontinue the patient’s medication and bridge with an alternative medication until after the procedure. Dr. Barr stated he would call the patient directly after the clinic was unable to schedule the appointment. Dr. Barr did not contact the patient to provide instruction for their anticoagulant medication.

Dr. Barr acknowledged his actions constituted unprofessional conduct and the hearing tribunal accepted a joint submission on sanction. It was ordered that Dr. Barr receive a reprimand and complete healthcare improvement courses at his own expense. He was also ordered to undergo a review of his clinic’s systems by an external third party (also at his own cost) to identify opportunities for improvements such as patient benchmark reminders, and submit a report to CPSA’s Complaints Director on how any changes will be implemented, monitored and sustained.

Dr. Barr was also ordered to pay $18,126.75, which equals two-thirds of the costs of the investigation and hearing.

Commentary

Dr. Barr failed to complete timely documentation and ensure appropriate pre-operative guidance was provided to his patient to optimize care. The sanctions imposed provide a deterrent against failing to provide appropriate continuity of care, while also allowing Dr. Barr to improve his medical practice and continue serving his patients.