The structure of complaints related to the quality of obstetric and gynecological care

Abstract

Obstetrics and gynecology, like surgery, most often fall into the scope of litigation over the quality of medical care provided. The author has reviewed the researches devoted to the solution of the problem of minimizing the consequences of emerging conflicts. Often these conflicts are not associated with specific adverse outcomes of treatment. They are results of communication deficiencies between patients and medical personnel, of high cost of medical services and of the unwillingness to pay for them, and of the organization of the work of the medical institution. The main reasons for the frequent occurrence of disputes over obstetric and gynecological care: the emergency nature of obstetric care, the deterioration of general and gynecological health of women of reproductive age, the negligent attitude of some pregnant women to adherence to medical recommendations and a high level of their tendency to conflicts. The literature suggests measures to achieve a «professional consensus», that is, the resolution of disputes without the involvement of law enforcement agencies: a thorough investigation of the clinical cases that led to the a complaints, the use of the obtained results for staff development, the immediate apologies to the patient if the complaint is justified. Among the patients and especially their representatives, «consumer extremism» has spread. In order to counteract this, it is proposed to intensify the activities of professional associations and to introduce more widely tools professional liability insurance.