کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
---|---|---|---|---|
2697171 | 1143883 | 2007 | 4 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |
PurposeTo identify the issues cited in claims for alleged medical negligence in cases of refractive surgery.MethodsOne hundred and one cases of alleged medical negligence following refractive surgery were analysed by a single expert witness.Valid features of the statement of claim and issues identified by the expert as being relevant to the outcome were assessed.ResultsSixty-five percentage of claims included issues of consent. In one third of these cases the Claimant had particular risk factors for which especially careful counselling was warranted.For 29% of claims there were contraindications to surgery.In 24% there was surgical error resulting in a compromised outcome.In 23% there was avoidable delay in instituting medical management for post-operative complications.Four percentage of cases were precipitated by a second opinion where the clinician giving the opinion was not fully conversant with the facts.ConclusionsThe number of claims could be substantially reduced by:(1)Instituting proper policies for consent with full documentation throughout the process;(2)Ensuring that surgeons are adequately trained in evaluating pre-operative tests and allowing surgeons adequate time to assess patients prior to surgery;(3)Moderating the case-load for surgery;(4)Ensuring that patients have easy access to medical care post-operatively;(5)Keeping comprehensive and accurate records.
Journal: Contact Lens and Anterior Eye - Volume 30, Issue 2, May 2007, Pages 144–147