title: A survey of obstetric malpractice in western frontier areas.
abstract: A mail survey of 524 physicians in the frontier areas of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, and the rural areas of Utah was conducted; 286 valid responses were collected (54.6%). Of the respondents, 97% had at some time practiced obstetrics, and, of those now practicing obstetrics, 39% reported they would discontinue providing obstetrical care within the next year. Of those stopping, 95% indicated that malpractice was a major factor in their decision. Of the respondents, 74% indicated that access to obstetric services would be a problem in their areas if they discontinued this type of care.
authors.affiliation: University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Chappell
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Cianciolo
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Denton
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015205:Northwestern United States; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000639:trends*; D012424:Rural Population; D015206:Southwestern United States; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce