Anna Mavroforou1, Emmanuel Michalodimitrakis. 1. Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. amavroforou@hotmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aims of this paper are to point out the importance of coherence in established guidelines in daily practice, highlight the value of signed patient informed consent forms and stress the value of a good understanding of the law, while focusing on issues related to malpractice in ophthalmology. METHODS: Search of the current relevant literature. RESULTS: The most common causes of medical litigation in ophthalmology are related to LASIK surgery, cataract surgery, glaucoma care, radial keratotomy for myopia reduction and failure to diagnose binocular vision anomalies in children and adults in a timely fashion. The litigation raised in most cases is driven by unfavourable outcomes and not by malpractice. CONCLUSION: Maintenance of high standards in daily practice, with continuous training and clear communication along with the appropriate documentation of any procedure carried out, may improve the professional safety of practising eye specialists in the event of medical litigation. Although the use of patient informed consent varies substantially among European countries, it may serve as useful evidence in the physician's defence.
PURPOSE: The aims of this paper are to point out the importance of coherence in established guidelines in daily practice, highlight the value of signed patient informed consent forms and stress the value of a good understanding of the law, while focusing on issues related to malpractice in ophthalmology. METHODS: Search of the current relevant literature. RESULTS: The most common causes of medical litigation in ophthalmology are related to LASIK surgery, cataract surgery, glaucoma care, radial keratotomy for myopia reduction and failure to diagnose binocular vision anomalies in children and adults in a timely fashion. The litigation raised in most cases is driven by unfavourable outcomes and not by malpractice. CONCLUSION: Maintenance of high standards in daily practice, with continuous training and clear communication along with the appropriate documentation of any procedure carried out, may improve the professional safety of practising eye specialists in the event of medical litigation. Although the use of patient informed consent varies substantially among European countries, it may serve as useful evidence in the physician's defence.
Authors: Kui Dong Kang; Aman Shah B Abdul Majid; Jee Hyun Kwag; Yeon Deok Kim; Hye Bin Yim Journal: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol Date: 2009-10-15 Impact factor: 3.117
Authors: Calvin C Robbins; Sidrah Anjum; Amer Mosa Alwreikat; Michael Lee Cooper; Paul R Cotran; Shiyoung Roh; David J Ramsey Journal: Ophthalmol Sci Date: 2021-09-22