RETROSPECTIVE ANALYTICAL STUDY OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASES AT QALYUBIA GOVERNORATE

Background Medical malpractice suits represent a valuable source of information on medical errors. Therefore, a greater understanding of the claims may highlight their causes and thus help to prevent them. Aim: To evaluate the problem of medical malpractice and study the epidemiological and medicolegal aspects of the reported cases of medical malpractice at medico legal region of Benha, Qalyubia governorate from (2010 to 2014).Methods:  Retrospective analysis of all medical malpractice claims, registered during the period of study (from January 2010 to December 2014) in Qalyubia governorate .Cases were reviewed from medico legal authority records. Results:  Out of 113 malpractice claims, (55.8%) were females, (37.2%) of cases ended by death, (20.4%) ended with permanent infirmity and (42.5%) ended with other injuries. Most of the cases (58.4%) were aged 18–40 years. More than half of the malpractices occurred in public hospitals (59.3%), (31%) in private hospitals and (9.7%) in private clinics. (69.9%) resulted from surgical interventions. Malpractice claims reported in gynecology and obstetrics (31.9%) followed by general Surgery (19.5%) then anesthesia (12.4%), while pediatrics, dentist and vascular surgery had the least percentage (0.9%).Conclusion: Although most of malpractice claims resulted in severe injuries, they are preventable. This indicates the great need for more effort to increase patient safety in all health care settings.