Showing 2 results for Medical Malpractice
Pouran Raeissi, Masood Taheri Mirghaed, Razieh Sepehrian, Mahnaz Afshari, Mohammad Reza Rajabi,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (2-2019)
Abstract
Background: Medical malpractice represents a serious problem in the health system and is one of the risk factors for patient safety which damages the patient and increases costs for the patient and the health care provider. The importance of these complaints against physicians is that litigation may continue for a long time and become problematic for patients and physicians. The objective of this study was to investigate the complaints of medical malpractices which were referred to Iran Medical Council to provide solutions to reduce the complaints and improve service delivery.
Methods: Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI/Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, and Iranian databases, such as MagIran, SID, and Irandoc, were searched from 01/01/1990 to 07/01/2018. Also, the grey literature (via Google Scholar) was searched. Studies written in English or in Persian were searched, and keywords used included malpractice, negligence, medical malpractice, physician impairment, Iran, and professional impairment.
Results: Nearly 1455 complaints (36%) of the total number of 3977 complaints were proved to be medical malpractice, and physicians were acquitted in 2542 (64%) cases. Most complaints were from gynaecologists, accounting for 43% of all complaints, followed by orthopaedic specialists who ranked second with 21.4% of the total complaints. The most type of failure was due to lack of skill (30.4%), followed by negligence (29.2%). Imprudence or indiscretion (26.3%) and noncompliance with governmental requirements (14.1%) were also in the next ranks, respectively.
Conclusion: Improving patient and physician relationships, observing medical ethics, increasing the scientific and technical skills of the medical staff, and following the guidelines and medical protocols will prevent medical malpractice. Therefore, health policymakers can reduce errors and failures by adopting continuing education on medical, ethical, and legal issues.
Ehsan Zarei, Iman Yousefi, Saba Shiranirad, Tahmineh Poursaki, Mohamad Mehdi Zahmatkesh, Pouria Farrokhi,
Volume 38, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background: Defensive medicine (DM) refers to taking or not taking clinical actions, mainly to prevent legal or reputational consequences. It increases patient and health system costs and threatens patient safety. This study aimed to provide policy options to reduce DM behaviors and was conducted in two phases.
Methods: First, a scoping review was conducted by searching the Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus databases in 2000–2023, and interventions and strategies to control DM behaviors were identified. To recognize the advantages, disadvantages, and implementation considerations, one session of focus group discussion (FGD) with experts was designed. Finally, the policies, strategies, advantages, disadvantages, and implementation considerations were refined and categorized during two expert panel sessions.
Results: During the search, 1774 articles were retrieved. Finally, after the screening process, 58 articles were included in the study. Four main policy options were formulated: "evidence-based medicine," "legal reforms," "promotion of professional ethics and a supportive environment," and "improving the doctor-patient relationship." In the following, 13 interventions and strategies, 18 advantages, 18 disadvantages, and 21 implementation considerations were identified.
Conclusion: To manage and reduce the effects of DM behaviors, different interventions at macro, organizational, and individual levels are needed. At the micro and individual levels, the enhancement of knowledge and skills is valuable. Organizational interventions that create a supportive culture and promote ethical behavior are also important.
