Medicolegal issues in gynaecology

Obstetrics and gynaecology is ranked the most litigious of all the medical specialties with 85% of clinicians in the specialty likely to face a malpractice suit by the age of 65. The defence organisations (NHS Litigation Authority, MDU, MPS etc) receive several thousand of claims per year but only 1 –2% ever reach court and most are settled in the pre-trial phase. In many instances cases are successfully defended (70%) however this may be after arduous legal procedures and lengthy discussion. The main reasons for successful litigation relate to accountability, the need for an explanation, con cerns with standards of care and compensation.
Source: Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research