The Factors Affecting the Final Verdict in Medical Errors Complaints



Hedaiati M¹ ; Nejadnik M^{2, 3} ; Setare M^{2, 3} Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2012

Abstract

Background: Complaints from medical doctors have created problems for both physicians and patients. As a result, patients find it hard to trust their physicians and doctors feel more stressed. The purpose of this search was to evaluate all complaints in all specialized fields and to identify the subjects at risk. It also tried to assess the effects of characteristics of plaintiffs (patients) and defendants (physicians) on the final verdict. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. The statistical population consisted of all records of the malpractice complaints in different specialized fields adjudicated in Isfahan Department of Legal Medicine, during 2009-2010. Demographic characteristics of physicians and patients, the place at which the physician worked, type of medical negligence, conviction rate, and complaint outcome were evaluated. Findings: In the 123 studied cases, the mean age of patients was 37.8 ± 7.8. Moreover, 64.5% were men and 53% had a high school diploma or a higher educational level. The mean age of physicians was 43.29 ± 9.64. In addition, 81% were men, 45.9% were highly experienced and 65.3% were specialists (surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, and anesthesia). Most complaints were from non-academic governmental centers. While 50.8% of physicians were charged with an average of 35.2 ± 34.1 percent error, the most common error type was imprudence. The final verdict was associated with education and gender of the patient. The percent error was associated with type of disease, education and gender of the patient, and the final injury and disease status. Conclusion: Patients may complain from physicians due to increased awareness and expectations. Specialists, particularly surgeons, are more at risk. Although many complaints of severe injuries, such as death, have been made, the percentage of failure has been determined to be higher in minor injuries or financial losses. Therefore, considering the high rate of fault in judgment commissions, more teaching and counseling centers are required. © 2012, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.