An Evaluation of Cases with a Claim of Medical Malpractise Related to the Cardiology Department Reported by the First Forensic Medicine Expert Committee of the Forensic Medicine Institute between 2012 and 2014

Abstract

Background and Aim: There are few studies in literature related to medical malpractice in Turkey. There is insufficient information in literature about malpractice in the field of cardiology, not only in Turkey but throughout the world. The aim of this study was to examine claims of medical malpractice related to cardiology and reports on this subject prepared by the First Forensic Medicine Expert Committee of the Forensic Medicine Institute. Materials and Methods: A retrospective examination was performed on 160 cases with a claim of malpractice related to cardiology branch doctors, with reports by the First Forensic Medicine Expert Committee of the Forensic Medicine Institute between 2012 and 2014. Results: The examined cases comprised 58.8% males and 41.2% females. Malpractice was determined in 5.6% of the cases. The rate of malpractice claims was high in the Marmara region, in private hospitals, and among specialist doctors. The most common complaint at hospital was chest and arm pain. During the diagnostic process, the most common primary diseases were coronary artery disease (n=75, 76.9%) and heart failure (n=13, 8.1%). Conclusion: Medical malpractice claims are currently rapidly increasing in Turkey. The complaint process can have severe physical and psychological negative effects for both the patient and the healthcare professional. Therefore, it is important to examine, analyze, and evaluate cases of malpractise to be able to prevent and overcome them.

Keywords

• cardiology
• malpractise
• forensic medicine
• autopsy