Closed claims analysis of 65 medical malpractice cases involving nurse-midwives.

The threat of litigation in clinical midwifery is evident in daily practice. Although midwives have not had the same risk of claims and suits as obstetricians, all obstetric providers are potentially subject to claims of malpractice. Closed claims analysis has been used in the past to review risk patterns and to heighten awareness of certain risks. It is a methodology that can suggest corrective or preventive action for future practice and thereby minimize the risk of future errors. An analysis of nurse-midwifery closed claims can help to evaluate past risk and proactively modify future liability.