Medical malpractice claim risk in emergency departments

Medical malpractice claims are a major problem for emergency physicians and for the health system which must be addressed in a rational and effective fashion: claim analysis seems the best way to identify risk factors and risk areas and to elaborate risk management recommendations. The Emergency Dep...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Claudio Bianchin, Carolina Prevaldi, Matteo Corradin, Mario Saia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: PAGEPress Publications 2018-06-01
Series:Emergency Care Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.pagepressjournals.org/index.php/ecj/article/view/6366
Description
Summary:Medical malpractice claims are a major problem for emergency physicians and for the health system which must be addressed in a rational and effective fashion: claim analysis seems the best way to identify risk factors and risk areas and to elaborate risk management recommendations. The Emergency Department (ED) is one of the areas at higher risk. Medical diagnoses associated with the highest number of claims are acute myocardial infarction, fractures, appendicitis, abdominal/pelvic symptoms, aortic aneurism and open wounds to fingers. The present paper emphasizes the necessity for ED emergency physicians to pay special attention when facing these health conditions and seeks to provide indications in order to reduce litigation.
ISSN:1826-9826
2282-2054