title: Malpractice claims analysis yields widely applicable principles.
abstract: We received 50 claims of medical negligence in pediatric cardiology. From the analysis, patterns were identified and recommendations for improvement were found that apply generally to healthcare. Less than half (38%) of the claims were found to be medically meritorious. The impression of substandard care was often (7/50) created by an erroneous attribution of cause of death at autopsy. Both structured learning for caregivers and education of the public will reduce the frequency of malpractice forms-both valid and frivolous. Caregivers should document more effectively. The current tort system neither deters nor compensates as it was intended. The assignment of blame to a single individual is usually not in concert with the reality of modern medicine. Good health care is not a passive behavior; active participation by the public is required.
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000379:methods; D002309:Cardiology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002423:Cause of Death; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D007223:Infant; D007344:Insurance Claim Reporting / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008499:Medical Records / Q000592:standards; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012308:Risk Management; D014481:United States