title: Obstetric Anesthesia Liability Concerns.
abstract: Obstetric practice carries a high risk of medical liability and involves both obstetricians and anesthesiologists. Analysis of data from the Anesthesia Closed Claims Project database shows an increase in the proportion of anesthesia claims for maternal death and brain damage between the 1990s and 2000 and later, primarily due to hemorrhage. The proportion of claims for newborn brain damage remained unchanged while those for maternal nerve injury and minor injuries decreased. Use of massive transfusion protocols and clinical drills have been shown to improve outcomes from hemorrhage. Good communication and teamwork are critical for reducing obstetric liability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: Joanna M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: Linda S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Stephens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007345:Insurance Claim Review / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000639:trends; D007351:Insurance, Liability / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000639:trends; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D016896:Treatment Outcome