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Fellman A, Wiedis D. The Impact of the Linear No-threshold Hypothesis on Litigation. Health Phys 2024; 126:426-433. [PMID: 38568160 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT As the basis of radiation safety practice and regulations worldwide, the linear no-threshold (LNT) hypothesis exerts enormous influence throughout society. This includes our judicial system, where frivolous lawsuits are filed alleging radiation-induced health effects caused by negligent companies who subject unwitting victims to enormous financial and physical harm. Typically, despite the lack of any supporting scientific basis, these cases result in enormous costs to organizations, insurance companies, and consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dave Wiedis
- Serving Leaders Ministries, 1564 McDaniel Dr., West Chester, PA 19380
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Li H, Li L, Liu T, Tan M, He W, Luo Y, Zhong X, Zhang L, Sun J. Risk management and empirical study of the doctor-patient relationship: based on 1790 litigation cases of medical damage liability disputes in China. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:521. [PMID: 38664671 PMCID: PMC11044444 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10952-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compensation for medical damage liability disputes (CMDLD) seriously hinders the healthy development of hospitals and undermines the harmony of the doctor-patient relationships (DPR). Risk management in the DPR has become an urgent issue of the day. The study aims to provide a comprehensive description of CMDLD in China and explore its influencing factors, and make corresponding recommendations for the management of risks in the DPR. METHODS This study extracted data from the China Judgment Online - the official judicial search website with the most comprehensive coverage. Statistical analysis of 1,790 litigation cases of medical damage liability disputes (COMDLD) available from 2015 to 2021. RESULTS COMDLD generally tended to increase with the year and was unevenly distributed by regions; the compensation rate was 52.46%, the median compensation was 134,900 yuan and the maximum was 2,234,666 yuan; the results of the single factor analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the compensation for different years, regions, treatment attributes, and trial procedures (P < 0.05); the correlation analysis showed that types of hospitals were significantly negatively associated with regions (R=-0.082, P < 0.05); trial procedures were significantly negatively correlated with years (R=-0.484, P < 0.001); compensat- ion was significantly positively correlated with years, regions, and treatment attributes (R = 0.098-0.294, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with trial procedures (R=-0.090, P < 0.01); regression analysis showed that years, treatment attributes, and regions were the main factors affecting the CMDLD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Years, regions, treatment attributes, and trial procedures affect the outcome of CMDLD. This paper further puts forward relevant suggestions and countermeasures for the governance of doctor-patient risks based on the empirical results. Including rational allocation of medical resources to narrow the differences between regions; promoting the expansion and sinking of high-quality resources to improve the level of medical services in hospitals at all levels; and developing a third-party negotiation mechanism for medical disputes to reduce the cost of medical litigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- School of Health Care Management, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Limin Li
- School of Health Care Management, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Tong Liu
- School of Health Care Management, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Meiqiong Tan
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Wanwan He
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Yuzhu Luo
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Xuerong Zhong
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- School of Marxism, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
| | - Jiangjie Sun
- School of Health Care Management, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, China.
- School of Management, Hefei University of Technology, 230039, Hefei, China.
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Dyer C. Teesside trust is fined £200 000 over failures in care of two patients who died by suicide. BMJ 2024; 385:q920. [PMID: 38649178 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
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Kaney H. Hot topics in dental indemnity - an MDDUS perspective. Br Dent J 2024; 236:618-619. [PMID: 38671115 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-024-7315-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
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5
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Congressional Testimony: The Importance of the Right Witness. JAMA 2023; 329:430. [PMID: 36749342 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.15783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Studdert
- From the Department of Health Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, and Stanford Law School, Stanford, CA (D.M.S.); and Schools of Law and Medicine, Wake Forest University, Wake Forest, NC (M.A.H.)
| | - Mark A Hall
- From the Department of Health Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, and Stanford Law School, Stanford, CA (D.M.S.); and Schools of Law and Medicine, Wake Forest University, Wake Forest, NC (M.A.H.)
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Bajaj S, Wang JV, Geronemus RG. Commentary on "Causes of Injury and Litigation in Cutaneous Laser Surgery: An Update From 2012 to 2020". Dermatol Surg 2022; 48:320-321. [PMID: 35175225 DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000003376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Bajaj
- Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, New York
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve Tsang
- SOAS China Institute, University of London, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Papanikitas
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Benedict Hayhoe
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are on the rise. To meet this rising demand, increasing numbers of physicians and nonphysicians are performing these procedures. Understanding malpractice trends and reasons for litigation in cosmetic medicine is important to establish safeguards for patient care and minimize liability. OBJECTIVE Perform a comprehensive review of the literature on litigation associated with minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and discuss strategies to avoid facing a lawsuit. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors searched PubMed databases using a variety of keywords to identify studies of lawsuits arising from minimally invasive cosmetic procedures through December 2020. RESULTS A total of 12 studies of litigation meeting inclusion criteria were identified: botulinum toxin (1), soft tissue fillers (3), lasers (5), body contouring/liposuction (1), chemical peels/dermabrasion (1), and sclerotherapy (1). Principle factors associated with litigation included negligence, lack of informed consent, vicarious liability for action of delegates, lack of communication, poor cosmetic result, failure to inform of risks, inappropriate treatment or dose, and failure to recognize or treat injury. CONCLUSION Understanding malpractice trends and reasons for litigation in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures can strengthen the patient-provider relationship, establish safeguards for patient care, and may minimize future risk of a lawsuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Hibler
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Laser and Cosmetic Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Karen C Kagha
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Laser and Cosmetic Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mathew M Avram
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Laser and Cosmetic Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Austin L. Correia, Diamond and the Chester Exception: Vindicating Patient Autonomy? Med Law Rev 2021; 29:547-561. [PMID: 34160040 PMCID: PMC8500296 DOI: 10.1093/medlaw/fwab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In Chester v Afshar [2004], the House of Lords stated they were departing from the traditional rules of causation in order to vindicate the patient's right of autonomy. Subsequent judgments in the Court of Appeal expressed concerns over the lack of clarity of the legal principles to be derived from that judgment. In Correia v University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust [2017] and Diamond v Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust [2019], however, the Court of Appeal sought to clarify the scope and limits of Chester. This commentary sets out the scope and limits of Chester in light of those judgments and considers the extent to which they can be said to be vindicating patient autonomy. Drawing upon Coggon's typology of autonomy, it concludes that future judgments should utilise that typology to explicate which understanding of autonomy they are seeking to protect.
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McDevitt D, McDevitt M. A Primer on the Good Samaritan Act. J Christ Nurs 2021; 38:28-31. [PMID: 33284214 DOI: 10.1097/cnj.0000000000000786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This article explores the various legal and ethical facets for healthcare professionals to consider in order to avoid legal liability when rendering aid in an emergency. A general overview of Good Samaritan legislation enacted throughout the United States is discussed along with varying levels of assistance required or protected by law in selected states. Moral considerations for Christian nurses are addressed.
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Samanta A, Samanta J, Beswick J. Responsible Practice or Restricted Practice? an Empirical Study of the Use of Clinical Guidelines in Medical Negligence Litigation. Med Law Rev 2021; 29:205-232. [PMID: 33709147 DOI: 10.1093/medlaw/fwab004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In medical negligence litigation, the standard for breach of duty is measured against the Bolam test which reflects accepted practice. Despite protracted debate and common law development, the Bolam standard remains the touchstone for litigation in this area. Clinical guidelines (CGs) are statements based upon best available medical evidence and are designed to facilitate clinical decision-making to optimise outcomes thereby reflecting expected practice. Nevertheless, there is little research that considers how CGs engage in litigation and their influence on judicial reasoning. Given the increasing pressures on the NHS amid rising costs of litigation, these are important issues. This study provides an original contribution to the literature on CGs in determining breach of duty in law. Using a mixed methods' approach, data from multiple sources have been gathered and analysed to assess the use of CGs by lawyers and the courts thereby adding to the discourse on the judicial shift away from deference to Bolam. It concludes by offering a conceptual basis for the use of CGs within a framework for reasonableness and promotes their principled use while avoiding constraints on expert testimony, experience, and exercise of clinical discretion. This study has relevance for academics, legal and medical practitioners, and policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ash Samanta
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals, Leicester, UK
| | - Jo Samanta
- School of Law, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Joanne Beswick
- School of Law, Policing and Forensics, Staffordshire University, UK
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Schnobel SA. Brady v Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust [2020] EWHC 158: 'Pure Diagnosis' Claims and Setting the Professional Standard of Care. Med Law Rev 2021; 29:373-383. [PMID: 33706374 DOI: 10.1093/medlaw/fwaa040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In Brady v Southend University Hospital NHS Trust, the High Court was asked to consider the applicability of Bolam and Bolitho principles in a so-called 'pure diagnosis' claim. The claimant suffered from the long-term effects of an undiagnosed bacterial infection after presenting at the defendant hospital with acute appendicitis. It was argued by claimant's counsel that where the primary allegation of fault concerns diagnosis, no issues of acceptable practice arise and therefore Bolam and Bolitho do not apply. Rejecting this, the High Court confirmed the applicability of Bolam and Bolitho and found that the defendant hospital had not been negligent. Initially, this result may signal a continued deference towards those in the medical profession, however, it is suggested that an alternative reading evidences a case which lays the groundwork for reconsidering the doctor-patient relationship in the context of treatment and diagnosis actions.
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Foster C, Gilbar R. Is there a New Duty to Warn Family Members in English Medical Law? ABC V ST George's Healthcare NHS Trust and Others [2020] EWHC 4551. Med Law Rev 2021; 29:359-372. [PMID: 33694361 DOI: 10.1093/medlaw/fwab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Foster
- Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3UL, UK
| | - Roy Gilbar
- School of Law, Netanya Academic College, Netanya, Israel
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Luther GW. The Key Elements of Medical Negligence-Duty. Neurosurgery 2021; 88:1051-1055. [PMID: 33826730 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyab077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
American tort law (a.k.a. negligence) is designed to be flexible and elastic to adapt to changes in time and public policy. It provides a structure of elements and factors to be applied to each case's specific facts on a case-by-case basis. The purpose of this structure is to achieve as much uniformity as possible in the application of tort law. One side effect is that this structure makes predicting the outcome difficult because of so many variables. In addition, there is no national tort law. Instead, each state has developed its own law in the area of torts, which has resulted in differing exceptions and requirements based on where the medical care was given. The purpose of this article is to explain the first element of a negligence case-"duty to use care"-and its accompanying factors/variables. The first element that must be established in a medical negligence case is a duty to use care. In short, this means the physician must use a certain level of care in providing medical services. The physician typically owes her or his patient the duty to exercise care. However, there are special situations in which a physician may not owe a duty of care and thus cannot be held liable for medical negligence. This article is designed to provide an overview of the most common situations and summarizes the processes to determine whether a duty is owed.
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Foti F, De-Giorgio F, Vetrugno G. Let us learn from litigation claims: actuarial tools can improve safety. BMJ 2021; 373:n1480. [PMID: 34117051 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n1480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Foti
- Risk Management Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome
| | - Giuseppe Vetrugno
- Risk Management Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome
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Abstract
What nurses should understand in times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edie Brous
- Edie Brous is a nurse and attorney in New York City and Pennsylvania, and the coordinator of Legal Clinic . Contact author: . The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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Abstract
A timely primer on what nurses should understand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edie Brous
- Edie Brous is a nurse and attorney in New York City and Pennsylvania, and the coordinator of Legal Clinic . Contact author: . The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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Dırvar F, Dırvar SU, Kaygusuz MA, Evren B, Öztürk İ. Effect of malpractice claims on orthopedic and traumatology physicians in Turkey: A survey study. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc 2021; 55:171-176. [PMID: 33847581 DOI: 10.5152/j.aott.2021.20167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the malpractice claims experienced by orthopedic and traumatology physicians and to determine their effects on burnout, job satisfaction, and clinical practice. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted on orthopedic and traumatology specialists between May 2019 and February 2020. Data collection was carried out via e-survey at "turk-ortopedi" mail group, which is an electronic communication network of orthopedic and traumatology physicians. For data collection, sociodemographic data forms were used including the general characteristics, working conditions, and the malpractice claim events along with the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale to evaluate burnout and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire to investigate job satisfaction. RESULTS In total, 353 orthopedic and traumatology physicians (348 men, 5 women), including 37 professors, 41 associate professors, and 275 surgeons, completed the questionnaire. In total, 65.4% of the participants (231 physicians and 471 relevant dossiers) stated that they were currently facing a malpractice claim. Emotional burnout and hesitant behavior in medical practices were significantly higher among the physicians who had undergone an investigation/trial with the claim of malpractice (p<0.05), whereas intrinsic job satisfaction was significantly lower (p<0.05). It was determined that orthopedic and traumatology physicians dealing with arthroplasty, vertebral surgery, hand surgery, and foot/ankle surgeries had undergone significantly more trials (p<0.05). In the evaluation of the burnout levels and job satisfaction scores of the physicians according to the age, academic title, seniority, and institution, it was determined that burnout level decreased with age, those between the ages of 25 and 34 years were exhausted the most, and job satisfaction increased with age. It was also found that burnout level decreased and job satisfaction increased as the academic title became higher, and attending physicians were the most exhausted. Moreover, burnout level decreased as seniority increased, the most senior ones were the ones most exhausted, and job satisfaction increased with seniority. CONCLUSION Evidence from this study has revealed that malpractice claims cause emotional burnout, low intrinsic job satisfaction, and a hesitant behavior in medical practice for the orthopedic and traumatology physicians. The concept of malpractice alone may result in unnecessary analyses/examinations for patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, Diagnostic Study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdi Dırvar
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Health Sciences University Turkey, Metin Sabancı Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Training and Research Center, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevda Uzun Dırvar
- Department of Education, Health Sciences University Turkey, Metin Sabancı Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Training and Research Center, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Akif Kaygusuz
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Health Sciences University Turkey, Metin Sabancı Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Training and Research Center, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilge Evren
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences University Turkey, Metin Sabancı Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Training and Research Center, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - İrfan Öztürk
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Demiroğlu Bilim University, İstanbul, Turkey
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Tomkins C. Doctors faced with impossible rationing decisions must seek legal advice. BMJ 2021; 372:n458. [PMID: 33619164 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Gerritse FL, Duvivier RJ. [Dutch medical disciplinary law cases concerning psychiatry, 2015-2019]. Tijdschr Psychiatr 2021; 63:181-188. [PMID: 33779972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of medical disciplinary law (as part of the Dutch law 'Wet BIG') is to safeguard the quality of professional practice in the health services. Quantitative data about Dutch medical disciplinary law is sparse: little is known about the nature, quantity and the verdicts of disciplinary law complaints against psychiatrists and residents. AIM Gaining insight in Dutch medical disciplinary law, in particular with regard to number and nature of disciplinary law complaints against psychiatrists(-psychotherapist) and psychiatry residents. METHOD Descriptive retrospective study. We examined all medical disciplinary law cases against psychiatrists(-psychotherapist) and psychiatry residents in the period 2015-2019. RESULTS In the study period the regional medical disciplinary courts handled 353 cases against psychiatrists(-psychotherapist) and residents psychiatry, on average 70.6 per year. 321 of these cases were against psychiatrists and 32 against residents. Complaint density was 1.74 for psychiatrists and 0.37 for residents. Subject of most cases was 'wrong diagnosis', followed by 'wrong therapeutic plan' and 'incorrect communication'. The number of cases resulting in a disciplinary measure was on average 31%: warning (49%), reprimand (30%), (conditional) suspension (15%). In 17 cases the professional was (partially) denied to practice. CONCLUSIONS Within Dutch psychiatry little attention is paid to disciplinary law, despite the fact that psychiatrists are relatively often confronted with disciplinary law complaints. The current explorative analysis underlines the need for further research, especially on the difference between male/female psychiatrists and an international comparison with respect to complaints about (sexual) misconduct.
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Gulino M, Vergallo GM, Rinaldi R. Two sides of the same coin: educational and professional pathway for surgical residents. Ann Ital Chir 2021; 92:305-311. [PMID: 34312329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM To provide a review of medical malpractice cases ruled by the Italian Supreme Court with the aims at identifying lawsuits targeting involved with surgical residents. MATERIAL AND METHODS Legal cases ruled by the Italian Supreme Court, from September 2020 to October 2020, pertaining to medical claims involving surgical residents were examined, using the main online databases. RESULTS Of a total of eleven (n=11; 100%) cases identified, four (n= 4; 36,4%) cases addressed the standard of care pertaining to the surgical residents' medical activity. The legal reasoning of the Italian Supreme Court does not focus on the manual skill in the resident's medical performance, but rather on the choice to accept to treat the patient, regardless of the participation of the tutor. CONCLUSIONS The performance of the surgical residents is made more difficult due to their peculiar nature, characterized by the complex interactions between the directives given by the tutor and the need to guarantee patients' needs. KEY WORDS Surgical Residents, Tutor, Educational Pathway, Medical Malpractice, Standard of Care.
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Roccuzzo S, Mondello C, Salamone I, Gualniera P, Sapienza D, Scurria S, Asmundo A. Acute aortic syndrome and radiology liability in Italy: Case reports and medico-legal considerations. Med Sci Law 2021; 61:141-145. [PMID: 33591862 DOI: 10.1177/0025802420977977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The trend for medical malpractice claims has increased in recent years, both in the USA and in Europe. Although diagnostic radiology is not considered a high-risk field, malpractice claims in this area follow this general trend. The most common legal action taken against radiologists includes failure to diagnose, poor communication between physicians, failure to supervise technologists properly and improper procedures. Recently, the Italian Civil Supreme Court delivered a judgment (Cass. Civ., N.10158-18) regarding the liability of radiologists, stating that in radiological practice, a correct and timely execution of the diagnostic investigation is required. By contrast, the same judgment states that requesting further clinical consultations and/or the execution of in-depth diagnostic examinations are not within their duties. Considering this judgment, we report two cases of radiologist malpractice and related responsibility for negligent conduct regarding the diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection and the prevention and management of acute aortic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Roccuzzo
- Departmental Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Mondello
- Departmental Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Ignazio Salamone
- Departmental Section of Radiology, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gualniera
- Departmental Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Sapienza
- Departmental Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Serena Scurria
- Departmental Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Asmundo
- Departmental Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
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Rothstein MA, Irzyk J. Employer Liability for "Take-Home" COVID-19. J Law Med Ethics 2021; 49:126-131. [PMID: 33966655 DOI: 10.1017/jme.2021.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Workplace exposure to SARS-CoV-2 has sickened workers and, subsequently, their family members. Family members might be able to recover from the employer in a negligence action using "take-home" liability theory.
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Hnylka JM. Restatement (Third) of Torts Section 47(b) Bypasses Traditional Barriers and Offers Aspiring Parents a Clear Path to Recover Stand-Alone NIED when Their Cryopreserved Reproductive Material is Lost or Destroyed. Am J Law Med 2020; 46:337-373. [PMID: 33413010 DOI: 10.1177/0098858820975530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
"[T]he tissue or embryo is not the primary victim at all. The victims are the parents who have been deprived of the potential to conceive a child together."1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Hnylka
- Associate Professor of Law, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; J.D. University of San Diego, 1988. I would like to thank Professor Michael Flynn and Dean Michele Struffolino for their helpful comments and suggestions
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Behera C, Bodwal J, Lal S, Sikary AK. Timing of death of a dead born foetus determined at medico-legal autopsy refuted the allegation of medical negligence. Med Leg J 2020; 89:143-144. [PMID: 33054531 DOI: 10.1177/0025817220953103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The case concerns a dead newborn. The family alleged that his death was due to delay in delivery by the attending doctors. Medico-legal autopsy was performed three days later which showed maceration changes suggestive of the foetus lying dead-in-utero for about 24 h which prima facie refuted the allegation of negligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chittaranjan Behera
- Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jatin Bodwal
- Department of Forensic Medicine, DDU Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sone Lal
- Department of Forensic Medicine, LBS Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Asit K Sikary
- Department of Forensic Medicine, ESI Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, India
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Sage
- School of Law and Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Richard C Boothman
- Boothman Consulting Group, LLC, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Thomas H Gallagher
- Department of Medicine, Department of Bioethics and Humanities, University of Washington, Seattle
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Abstract
On January 5, 2019, the Associated Press reported that a woman thought to have been in the vegetative state for over a decade gave birth at a Hacienda HealthCare facility. Until she delivered, the staff at the Phoenix center had not noticed that their patient was pregnant. The patient was also misdiagnosed. Misdiagnosis of patients with disorders of consciousness in institutional settings is more the norm than the exception. Misdiagnosis is also connected to a broad and extremely significant change in the understanding of the vegetative state-a change that the field of bioethics has not yet fully taken into account. In September 2018, the American Academy of Neurology, the American College of Rehabilitation Medicine, and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research issued a comprehensive evidence-based review on disorders of consciousness and an associated practice guideline on the care of these patients. These landmark publications update the 1994 Multi-Society Task Force Report on the Vegetative State, which subcategorized the persistent vegetative state as either persistent (once the vegetative state lasted one month) or permanent (once the vegetative state lasted three months after anoxic injury or twelve months after traumatic injury). Noting that 20 percent of patients thought to be permanently unconscious might regain some level of consciousness, the new guideline has eliminated the permanent vegetative state as a diagnostic category, replacing it with the chronic vegetative state.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Legal aspects of epilepsy are jurisdiction-dependent, and this analysis has focused on an Australian context;however, the reader can extrapolate to his/her local jurisdiction and/or legal system. EPILEPSY AND DRIVING The AUSTROADS Guidelines have codified the fitness to drive restrictions to be imposed for both private and commercial drivers. They set out the default positions and the considerations that can be applied to deviate from the default of at least 1year seizure freedom for private license holders and 10years seizure freedom for commercial drivers. EPILEPSY AND EMPLOYMENT People with epilepsy are broadly excluded from all employment requiring the wearing of a uniform. Only where preemployment medical examination mandates disclosure does the person with epilepsy has to disclose epilepsy to a prospective employer. There are specific laws that control workplace and employment standards that cover occupational health and safety, protection for the disabled, and antidiscrimination. NEGLIGENCE Negligence relies on establishing: duty of care; breach of that duty; and damage that is not too remote. Once ascertained, liability is established by the relative causation. The Civil Liability Acts served to redefine negligence, causation, and liability. Added consideration attaches to vicarious liability of the employer for the employee and nondelegable duty of care. CONCLUSIONS This overview has examined three legal aspects of epilepsy, namely, driving, employment, and negligence. The concepts and interpretations should have relative applicability well beyond any narrow confines, limited to a single jurisdiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy G Beran
- University of New South Wales, Australia; Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Sechenov University, Russia.
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Abstract
Suppose that a doctor carrying out a treatment or advising on a treatment or acting as an expert in litigation or writing or lecturing about a treatment is in a minority so far as contemporary medical opinion is concerned. It may be a matter of choice for the doctor between treatment A (the majority practice) or treatment B (the minority practice), and the minority treatment may be of an innovative character. Unfortunately, things went badly wrong, the patient suffered harm and the doctor finds him/herself a defendant in a case for clinical negligence. What is the legal duty of the doctor? Is it sufficient that he/she acted in good faith? Or that he/she was a competent doctor? Or that he/she was a doctor following the practice of a substantial number of doctors, albeit a minority? Or that he/she was in effect acting 'on his/her own'? The legal test is: Was the doctor following the practice of a responsible body of medical clinical opinion, albeit a minority opinion? Medicine has made huge advances over the years - one of the great achievements. But many advances have come about because of the initiative of one individual or a small group of individuals, often in the face of strong disbelief or opposition. The medical profession is a conservative profession, understandably so in view of the obvious inherent risks. Original ideas may not be well received. Therefore, the minority innovative doctor must proceed carefully because he/she runs the risk of a medical mishap, criticism and litigation.
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Ford JK. How a Medical Director Saved Me. Air Med J 2020; 39:329-330. [PMID: 33012466 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
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Berlin J. Dulling the Pain of Future Damages: High Court Ruling Addresses Periodic Payments. Tex Med 2020; 116:44-45. [PMID: 33023285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Texas Supreme Court decision carries new implications for periodic payment of future medical expenses.
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Pinto-Sietsma SJ, Zwinderman AH, Oude Ophuis T. [Medical disciplinary boards punish more often and more severely; an observational study of 10 years of medical disciplinary law]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2020; 164:D4587. [PMID: 32940979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine if the medical disciplinary law in the Netherlands is becoming tougher. DESIGN Observational study. METHOD We read the annual reports of the Dutch Disciplinary Committees for the Healthcare Sector 2007-2017, and registered the numbers of disciplinary cases and those cases upheld, the measures imposed and the degree of consistency in the event of an appeal. Over 400 medical disciplinary cases were reviewed in more detail. Based on these cases, we determined those variables that increase or decrease the likelihood of conviction, such as the gender of the defendants, the region in which the disciplinary case was heard, and if objective norms and professional practice guidelines had been used in arriving at the verdict. RESULTS Each year a disciplinary case is brought against an average of 0.4% of all health care providers - mainly physicians (an average of approximately 1400 disciplinary cases each year). One-third of all disciplinary cases were dealt with in court and about half of them were upheld. Over time, the number of disciplinary cases has increased (36%), as has the percentage of cases that are upheld (27%). Additionally, heavier measures were more often imposed and the degree of consistency between the initial ruling and the ruling on appeal also increased (56%). Those factors that increased the likelihood of a case being upheld were: being a physician of male gender, the disciplinary case being heard in The Hague or Eindhoven, and the non-implementation of an objective norm or professional practice guideline in arriving at the verdict. CONCLUSION Since 2007 the Dutch medical disciplinary boards have been punishing more often and more severely. This may be because the subjective demands made on health care professionals have changed. Arriving at an opinion subjectively is not a problem when it comes to verifying compliance with standards of due care. However, if this method is used to determine the penalty, the health care system will become defensive - and this will not improve the quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Pinto-Sietsma
- Amsterdam UMC, locatie AMC, afd. Klinische epidemiologie, Biostatistiek en Bio-informatica, Amsterdam (tevens: afd. Vasculaire Geneeskunde)
- Contact: S.J. Pinto-Sietsma
| | - A H Zwinderman
- Amsterdam UMC, locatie AMC, afd. Klinische epidemiologie, Biostatistiek en Bio-informatica, Amsterdam
| | - T Oude Ophuis
- Canisius Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis, afd. Cardiologie, Nijmegen (tevens: Universiteit van Amsterdam)
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Hamming JF. [Investigation into medical disciplinary law critically examined]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2020; 164:D5241. [PMID: 33030331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There is a suggestion that the medical disciplinary committees (MDC) in the Netherlands are making more severe rulings on medical professionals. In a 10-year analysis of MDC rulings, it appears that complaints made by patients are more frequently being judged to be well-founded, and that the measures being taken are more severe. The authors conclude that there is a numerical basis for the increasing severity of the rulings. However, a numerical trend as such does not constitute proof of this, as the way in which the ruling is arrived at is unknown. A more thorough analysis of the patient complaints, the ruling and the underlying arguments is necessary. The authors also make some other statements that can be refuted. The importance of the possible influence of the increasing complexity of health care as a factor in the increase in complaints to the MDC is not addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Hamming
- LUMC, afd. Heelkunde, Leiden
- Contact: J.F. Hamming
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Watari T, Tokuda Y, Mitsuhashi S, Otuki K, Kono K, Nagai N, Onigata K, Kanda H. Factors and impact of physicians' diagnostic errors in malpractice claims in Japan. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237145. [PMID: 32745150 PMCID: PMC7398551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic errors are prevalent and associated with increased economic burden; however, little is known about their characteristics at the national level in Japan. This study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes and indemnity payment in cases of diagnostic errors using Japan's largest database of national claims. METHODS We analyzed characteristics of diagnostic error cases closed between 1961 and 2017, accessed through the national Japanese malpractice claims database. We compared diagnostic error-related claims (DERC) with non-diagnostic error-related claims (non-DERC) in terms of indemnity, clinical outcomes, and factors underlying physicians' diagnostic errors. RESULTS All 1,802 malpractice claims were included in the analysis. The median patient age was 33 years (interquartile range = 10-54), and 54.2% were men. Deaths were the most common outcome of claims (939/1747; 53.8%). In total, 709 (39.3%, 95% CI: 37.0%-41.6%) DERC cases were observed. The adjusted total billing amount, acceptance rate, adjusted median claims payments, and proportion of deaths were significantly higher in DERC than non-DERC cases. Departments of internal medicine and surgery were 1.42 and 1.55 times more likely, respectively, to have DERC cases than others. Claims involving the emergency room (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 5.88) and outpatient office (adjusted OR = 2.87) were more likely to be DERC than other cases. The initial diagnoses most likely to lead to diagnostic error were upper respiratory tract infection, non-bleeding digestive tract disease, and "no abnormality." CONCLUSIONS Cases of diagnostic errors produced severe patient outcomes and were associated with high indemnity. These cases were frequently noted in general exam and emergency rooms as well as internal medicine and surgery departments and were initially considered to be common, mild diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Watari
- Postgraduate Clinical Training Center, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Tokuda
- Okinawa Muribushi Project for Teaching Hospitals, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | - Kazuya Otuki
- Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Kaori Kono
- Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nagai
- Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Onigata
- Postgraduate Clinical Training Center, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Kanda
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
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Tingle J. Suing the NHS for clinical negligence: reports analysis. Br J Nurs 2020; 29:792-793. [PMID: 32649255 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.13.792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses some recent reports on clinical negligence actions against the NHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Tingle
- Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham
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Abder-Rahman H, Habash I, Alami R, Alnimer T, Al-Abdallat I. Medico-legal importance of necrotizing fasciitis. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 74:102019. [PMID: 32658769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the rarity of necrotizing fasciitis (NF), it is a relatively common cause of death in many lawsuits. Families seek financial compensation or legal charges against those they believe to be involved in the death, usually physicians who did not identify the infection soon enough. This paper explores six cases in forensic pathology practice where NF posed a unique medico-legal dilemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Abder-Rahman
- Forensic Pathology and Microbiology Department, University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
| | - Ibrahim Habash
- Forensic Pathology and Microbiology Department, University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
| | - Raghad Alami
- Ophthalmology Department, University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
| | - Touleen Alnimer
- Medical Student, University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
| | - Imad Al-Abdallat
- Forensic Pathology and Microbiology Department, University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
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Kamath D, McIntyre S, Byerly S, Agarwal N, Kamath P, Peskin E, Gupta R, Roy S, Schwartz R, Kaye AD, Viswanath O, Urits I, Horn DB. Descriptive Analysis of Federal and State Interventional Pain Malpractice Litigation in the United States: A Pilot Investigation. Pain Physician 2020; 23:413-422. [PMID: 32709176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine and appreciate characteristics of malpractice lawsuits brought against interventional pain specialists. OBJECTIVES To examine and appreciate characteristics of malpractice lawsuits brought against interventional pain specialists. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review. SETTING Jury verdicts and settlement reports of state and federal malpractice cases involving interventional pain practitioners from January 1, 1988, to January 1, 2018 were gathered from the Westlaw online legal database. METHODS Jury verdicts and settlement reports of state and federal malpractice cases involving interventional pain practitioners from January 1, 1988, to January 1, 2018 were gathered from the Westlaw online legal database. Data collected for each case included year, state, patient age, patient gender, defendant specialty, legal outcome, award amount, alleged cause of malpractice, and factors in plaintiff's decision to file. After elimination of duplicates and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria to our initial search yielding over 1,500 cases, a total of 82 cases were included in this study. RESULTS A total of 57.3% of cases resulted in a jury verdict in favor of the defendant, whereas 41.5% favored the plaintiff. When comparing cases that were performed in the operating room to cases performed outside the operating room, we found the jury verdicts to favor the plaintiff 83.3% of the time for operating room procedures (P = 0.003). In other words, interventional pain practitioners were more likely to be found at fault for complications from procedures performed in the operating room. To eliminate confounders, a logistical regression was performed and confirmed operating room procedures were an independent predictor of a verdict awarded to the plaintiff (P = 0.008). The median amount awarded to the plaintiff for all cases was $333,000, and the single highest award amount was $36,636,288. The median payout for operating room procedures was $450,000 (P = 0.010), which was significantly different from the median payout for nonoperating room procedures. Procedure categorization demonstrated a statistically significant difference in jury verdicts (P = 0.01411) and procedural error was the leading reason for pursuing litigation, followed by lack of informed consent and unnecessary procedure performed. LIMITATIONS There is more than one database that captures medicolegal claims brought against practitioners. Westlaw, which has been previously utilized by other studies, is only one of them and the extent to which overlap exists in unclear. For each, data input are not necessarily consistent and data capture are not complete. As a result, there could exist a skew toward more severe complications and the details of individual cases likely vary. During data extraction, we found that all details of the procedure were not always included. For example, not all cases specified the type of injectate utilized for epidural injection (i.e., local anesthetic, steroid, mixture, and others) or route of injection (i.e., transforaminal vs. interlaminar). Moreover, as previously mentioned, cases that are settled out of court or finalized prior to trial are not necessarily reported by the Westlaw database, and therefore were not always included in our data search. CONCLUSIONS Overall, interventional pain medicine physicians were favored by jury verdicts for malpractice claims. However, when filtering by procedure or setting, jury verdicts favored the plaintiff in some cases. KEY WORDS Interventional pain, medical, malpractice, anesthesiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nitin Agarwal
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | | | - Raghav Gupta
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Souvik Roy
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ruben Schwartz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL
| | | | - Omar Viswanath
- Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants, Phoenix, AZ; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ; Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE
| | - Ivan Urits
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Abstract
Research has evidenced the various aims of patient-plaintiffs and/or their families in medical negligence litigation, with emphasis frequently placed on the importance of an apology. Drawing on the findings of an empirical study conducted in Ireland, this article contributes to the discourse on apologies in medical negligence disputes. In particular, with reference to the findings of the research and the literature, it discusses components of apologies deemed to be important by patient-plaintiffs and/or their families. The article concludes by arguing that legislative protection for apologies in isolation will not necessarily increase the use or effectiveness of apologies in medical negligence disputes, and a combination of measures is required.
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44
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Berlin J. Tort Reform on Trial: Houston Case Challenges Noneconomic Damage Cap. Tex Med 2020; 116:38-40. [PMID: 32645178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Houston case poses challenge to key tort reform limit on noneconomic damages.
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45
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher T Starr
- Kristopher T. Starr is an attorney at law at Ferry Joseph, P.A., in Wilmington, Del.; an ED NP at US Acute Care Solutions, Union Hospital in Elkton, Md., and University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health in Bel Air, Md.; and adjunct faculty at the School of Nursing, University of Delaware in Newark, Del. He is also a member of the Nursing2020 editorial board
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Mungwira RG, Guillard C, Saldaña A, Okabe N, Petousis-Harris H, Agbenu E, Rodewald L, Zuber PLF. Global landscape analysis of no-fault compensation programmes for vaccine injuries: A review and survey of implementing countries. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233334. [PMID: 32437376 PMCID: PMC7241762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To update the landscape analysis of vaccine injuries no-fault compensation programmes, we conducted a scoping review and a survey of World Health Organization Member States. We describe the characteristics of existing no-fault compensation systems during 2018 based on six common programme elements. No-fault compensation systems for vaccine injuries have been developed in a few high-income countries for more than 50 years. Twenty-five jurisdictions were identified with no-fault compensation programmes, of which two were recently implemented in a low- and a lower-middle-income country. The no-fault compensation programmes in most jurisdictions are implemented at the central or federal government level and are government funded. Eligibility criteria for vaccine injury compensation vary considerably across the evaluated programmes. Notably, most programmes cover injuries arising from vaccines that are registered in the country and are recommended by authorities for routine use in children, pregnant women, adults (e.g. influenza vaccines) and for special indications. A claim process is initiated once the injured party or their legal representative files for compensation with a special administrative body in most programmes. All no-fault compensation programmes reviewed require standard of proof showing a causal association between vaccination and injury. Once a final decision has been reached, claimants are compensated with either: lump-sums; amounts calculated based on medical care costs and expenses, loss of earnings or earning capacity; or monetary compensation calculated based on pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent impairment or loss of function; or combination of those. In most jurisdictions, vaccine injury claimants have the right to seek damages either through civil litigation or from a compensation scheme but not both simultaneously. Data from this report provide an empirical basis on which global guidance for implementing such schemes could be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy G. Mungwira
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Development, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Christine Guillard
- Access to Medicines and Health Products Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Nobuhiko Okabe
- Kawasaki City Institute for Public Health, Kawasaki-City, Japan
| | | | - Edinam Agbenu
- World Health Organization, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Lance Rodewald
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Patrick L. F. Zuber
- Access to Medicines and Health Products Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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47
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Cohen IG, Crespo AM, White DB. Potential Legal Liability for Withdrawing or Withholding Ventilators During COVID-19: Assessing the Risks and Identifying Needed Reforms. JAMA 2020; 323:1901-1902. [PMID: 32236491 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.5442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I Glenn Cohen
- Harvard Law School, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew M Crespo
- Harvard Law School, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Douglas B White
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Critical Care, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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48
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Abstract
In 2015, the Supreme Court in Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board handed down a landmark decision on informed consent to medical treatment, heralding a legal shift to a more patient-centred approach. Montgomery, and the extensive commentary that has followed, focuses on 'adult persons of sound mind'. Cave and Purshouse consider the potential claims that may flow from a failure to adequately inform children. They argue that the relevance of the best interests test blurs the boundaries between negligence and battery. Limitations on children's rights to make treatment decisions for themselves impact on their potential to claim in negligence for non-disclosure and, conversely, enhance the potential relevance of the tort of battery. In paediatric cases, Montgomery raises expectations that the law is currently ill-equipped to satisfy. Tort law provides a legal incentive to disclose relevant information to children but limits the availability of a remedy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Cave
- Durham Law School, Palatine Centre, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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49
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Berlin J. No Double-Dipping: Tacking Settlement Money onto Negligence Awards at Issue. Tex Med 2020; 116:25-27. [PMID: 32645187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Like many broad legislative measures, Texas' 2003 medical liability reforms continue to be a target for opponents long after being signed into law. The Texas Medical Association is fighting again to defend them. The measure under siege this time prevents patients who file negligence or other lawsuits from adding to their damage award through family members' settlements stemming from the same case - that is, no "double-dipping."
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Engelhard SB, Justin GA, Zimmer-Galler IE, Sim AJ, Reddy AK. Malpractice Litigation in Vitreoretinal Surgery and Medical Retina. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2020; 51:272-278. [PMID: 32511730 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20200501-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To report and analyze the causes and outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery and medical retina malpractice litigation. PATIENTS AND METHODS The WestLaw database was reviewed for all vitreoretinal malpractice litigation in the United States between 1930 and 2014. RESULTS One hundred forty-two retina cases were included. Overall, 64.1% of cases were resolved in favor of defendants. Eighty-three (58.5%) cases were resolved via jury trial, 30.1% of which were associated with plaintiff verdicts with mean adjusted jury award of $5,222,894 (median, $691,974). Eight cases (5.6%) resulted in settlements with mean adjusted indemnity of $726,003 (median: $437,165). Jury awards were higher than settlement awards (P = .04). Commonly litigated scenarios included retinal detachment (46.5%) and retinopathy of prematurity (9.2%). CONCLUSIONS The complexity of treating vitreoretinal problems and the high potential for vision loss inherent in many diagnoses make treating retinal problems high-risk. Many cases in this series resulted in multi-million-dollar plaintiff awards. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:272-278.].
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