Medical errors in Saudi Arabia: understanding the pattern and associated financial cost

Abstract

Studies investigated medical error claims in Saudi Arabia are limited due to organisational complexity to access claims data. The primary objective of this study was to determine the pattern of medical errors claims and associated financial cost in Saudi Arabia from the 2012 medical jurisprudence committee report. Extracted data from the 2012 MJC report were analysed to determine the rate of claims and estimated cost. Medical record claims continued to rise throughout the report period. The highest rate of claims was observed in obstetrics/gynaecology and in private sector. 45.78% of death cases were compensated an amount of 100,000-500,000 SR and 53.65% of disability cases were compensated an amount of 1,000-50,000 SR. The rate of medical error claims is rising in Saudi Arabia. Further studies are needed to investigate causes and establish preventive measures.