title: Medical error, malpractice and complications: a moral geography.
abstract: This essay reviews and defines avoidable medical error, malpractice and complication. The relevant ethical principles pertaining to unanticipated medical outcomes are identified. In light of these principles I critically review the moral culpability of the agents in each circumstance and the resulting obligations to patients, their families, and the health care system in general. While I touch on some legal implications, a full discussion of legal obligations and liability issues is beyond the scope of this paper.
authors.affiliation: Seton Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA. d.zientekmd@gmail.com
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Zientek
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice; D019300:Medical Errors; D028681:Moral Obligations; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics*; D009626:Terminology as Topic