Malpractice: a case-control study of claimants.
Efforts by hospitals to minimize the frequency of malpractice claims require knowledge of which patients file claims and why. Utilizing a case-control method to investigate the characteristics of patients, of providers, and of the course of care at a university hospital, the authors found several factors to be associated with notification of an intent to file a claim. White collar workers, patients dissatisfied with their care, those who experienced more complications, and those admitted to a particular medical floor were more likely to make a claim. There was no significant association between notice of a claim and complexity of care as indicated by number of diagnoses, invasive procedures, blood tests, and x-rays. Furthermore, the number of different primary care physicians and different consultants did not influence the patient's decision to pursue legal action. Attention to these findings may help avert malpractice claims; however, further study with a larger sample is needed to validate these results.
Miller
R H
RH
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, State University of New York, Stony Brook.
Williams
P C
PC
Napolitana
G
G
Schmied
J
J
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York; D012308:Risk Management