Abstract

Background and Objectives: Medical malpractice is a legal cause of action that occurs when a physician deviates from required substandard and causes deterioration, disability, harm or death to a patient. This study documented all the reported malpractice cases according to the forensic medicine authority in Fayoum Governrate in the in the course of regular and proper health service Methods: All cases of medical malpractice claims of several medical specialties referred to the Forensic Medicine Authority, in 2012-2016 were checked (n=55). Results: The present study shows that 87.3% of the study group were adults, and 12.7% of them were children, 50.9% of them were males and 49.1% were females, and as regards to the place of residence, 47.3% of the victims were from urban places. The study has also pointed out that the majority of malpractices occurred in general hospitals (67.3%), more than in clinics and private hospitals. The 40% of malpractice were complications of surgery, then 23.6% of them were due to negligence, then 21.8% of patients had medication errors, and the least percentage of 14.5% had forgotten gauze and the majority of malpractices occurred in obstetrics and gynaecology which represent (36.4%) of the cases. Conclusion: It is extremely essential to analyse the errors properly in order to get the medical malpractice under control to avoid incidence of litigation and to propose professional standards as well as accurate references in connection with medico-legal procedures.

Highlights

  • Medical malpractice has been an important social issue

  • A person who alleges negligent medical malpractice must confirm four elements: (A) a duty of care owed by the physician, (B) the physician violated the applicable standard of care, (C) the person suffered a compensable injury, and (D) the injury was caused by the substandard conduct

  • This study shows that the majority of malpractices occurred in general hospitals (67.3%), more than in clinics and private hospitals

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Summary

Introduction

Medical malpractice has been an important social issue. Physicians have complained about the large number of malpractice claims and have insisted on legal reforms to reduce compensation for damage, whereas tort attorneys have argued that negligence claims are an effective way of compensating victims of negligence and of protecting the medical profession [1]. A person who alleges negligent medical malpractice must confirm four elements: (A) a duty of care owed by the physician, (B) the physician violated the applicable standard of care, (C) the person suffered a compensable injury, and (D) the injury was caused by the substandard conduct. Adopting these elements is central for a successful medical malpractice [4]. This study documented all the reported malpractice cases according to the forensic medicine authority in Fayoum Governrate in the in the course of regular and proper health service

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Conclusion

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