INTRODUCTION: Increasing numbers of joint arthroplasty are performed in Britain. While associated complications are well documented, it is not known which of those initiate malpractice claims. METHOD: A five-year period was assessed for trends to highlight areas for further improvement in patient information and surgical management. RESULTS: The National Health Service paid out almost £14 million for 598 claims. Forty per cent of this was for legal costs. The number of claims increased over time while the rate of successful claims decreased. CONCLUSIONS: A failure to consent adequately and to adhere to policies and standard practice can result in a successful malpractice claim. Protecting patients intraoperatively and maintaining high technical expertise while implementing policies and obtaining informed consent decreases the litigation burden.
INTRODUCTION: Increasing numbers of joint arthroplasty are performed in Britain. While associated complications are well documented, it is not known which of those initiate malpractice claims. METHOD: A five-year period was assessed for trends to highlight areas for further improvement in patient information and surgical management. RESULTS: The National Health Service paid out almost £14 million for 598 claims. Forty per cent of this was for legal costs. The number of claims increased over time while the rate of successful claims decreased. CONCLUSIONS:A failure to consent adequately and to adhere to policies and standard practice can result in a successful malpractice claim. Protecting patients intraoperatively and maintaining high technical expertise while implementing policies and obtaining informed consent decreases the litigation burden.
Authors: Ashish Upadhyay; Sally York; William Macaulay; Brian McGrory; Jennifer Robbennolt; B Sonny Bal Journal: J Arthroplasty Date: 2007-07-27 Impact factor: 4.757
Authors: John A Morris; Ysela Carrillo; Judith M Jenkins; Philip W Smith; Sandy Bledsoe; James Pichert; Andrew White Journal: Ann Surg Date: 2003-06 Impact factor: 12.969
Authors: Atul F Kamath; Sridhar M Durbhakula; Trevor Pickering; Nathan L Cafferky; Trevor G Murray; Michael A Wind; Stéphane Méthot Journal: J Robot Surg Date: 2021-10-28