Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Involving Urology Trainees. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • OBJECTIVE: To distinguish the various characteristics of medical malpractice lawsuits involving trainees to prevent future litigation. METHODS: LexisNexis, an online legal research database containing legal records from the United States, was retrospectively reviewed for malpractice cases involving urology interns, residents, or fellows from January 1, 1988 to December 31, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 16 cases were included, of which 7 (43.8%) involved urological allegations while 9 (56.2%) involved non-urological allegations. 5 of the cases consisting of non-urological adverse outcomes led to mortality. Procedural error was claimed in 12 (75.0%) cases, negligence in 7 (43.8%), delayed evaluation in 6 (37.5%), lack of informed consent of procedure or complications in 5 (31.2.%), failure to pursue treatment in 4 (25.0%), inexperienced trainee in 2 (12.5%), failure to supervise trainee in 2, lack of informed consent of trainee involvement in 1, incorrect diagnosis in 1, and prolonged operative time in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Malpractice education, careful supervision, awareness during perioperative care, and detailed communication between patients and physicians should be highlighted in training programs to improve patient outcomes and mitigate risk of future malpractice.

publication date

  • January 31, 2022

Research

keywords

  • Malpractice
  • Urology

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC9339038

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85125493910

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.urology.2021.12.030

PubMed ID

  • 35093401

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 166