Claims in orthopedic foot/ankle surgery, how can they help to improve quality of care? A retrospective claim analysis

BACKGROUND: Orthopedic foot/ankle surgery is a high risk specialty when it comes to malpractice claims. This study aims to evaluate the incidence, characteristics and outcome of claims in this area. METHODS: This was a retrospective, 10-year claim analysis, with data from an anonymous database. Base...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Sanders, Fay R. K., Wimmer-Boelhouwers, Patricia, Dijt, Onno X., Kerkhoffs, Gino M. M. J., Schepers, Tim
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Springer Paris 2020
Materias:
Original Article
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7815606/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32715328
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00590-020-02745-9
Descripción
Sumario:BACKGROUND: Orthopedic foot/ankle surgery is a high risk specialty when it comes to malpractice claims. This study aims to evaluate the incidence, characteristics and outcome of claims in this area. METHODS: This was a retrospective, 10-year claim analysis, with data from an anonymous database. Baseline claim/claimant characteristics were collected from all orthopedic foot/ankle-related cases. RESULTS: Of 460 claims in total, most were related to delay in/wrong diagnosis or to (complications of) elective surgical procedures. Whether a claim was settled was related to type of injury (fracture) and type of claim (diagnostic mistake). Median amount disbursed in settled claims was €12,549. Claim incidence did not increase over the years. CONCLUSION: Missed fracture diagnosis and “failed”/disappointing results of elective surgical procedures were the most common causes for claims. Sufficient knowledge of missed (foot) fractures and clear communication/expectation management before elective procedures could help to improve quality of healthcare and patient satisfaction.

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