Physicians' self-reports of reactions to malpractice litigation.

The authors devised a survey as a first step in assessing physicians' perceptions of the impact of medical malpractice litigation on their professional practice and personal lives. Subjects were a sample of physicians in Cook County, Ill., who had been sued during 1977-1981. Many respondents reported changes in how they practiced their profession. Two clusters of self-reported symptoms in reaction to the litigation also emerged. Further studies, including clinical interviews, are needed to clarify the impact of medical malpractice suits on the sociological reality of medical practice.