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- Title
Anesthesia-Related Malpractice Claims in Maryland 1994-2017.
- Authors
Howie, William O.
- Abstract
This article presents data on anesthesia cases filed with the Maryland Health Claims Alternative Dispute Office between 1994 and 2017, a publicly available resource that includes all anesthesia-related claims filed in Maryland, regardless of whether they were reported to any national claims repository. Analysis of anesthesia malpractice claims offers critical information that can both decrease legal liability and improve patient outcomes for those receiving anesthesia. A total of 276 claims were filed. Variables under investigation included venue, types of surgery, legal cause of action, trends, and outcomes. Types of anesthesia-related claims included the administration of general anesthesia (59.8%), monitored anesthesia care (14.9%), pain management (10.9%), epidural/spinal anesthesia (9%), nerve blocks (2.9%), and local anesthesia infiltration (2.6%). Most cases (39.5%) involved failure to adequately monitor the patient. Inadequate perioperative care was alleged as the cause of action in 68.8% of cases. Major adverse patient outcomes were death (38.8%), brain damage (21%), and permanent nerve damage (14.9%). Understanding the events that lead to legal action can assist anesthesia providers to focus on ways to improve their practice.
- Subjects
MARYLAND; MALPRACTICE; PREVENTION of medical errors; PERIOPERATIVE care; RESPIRATORY diseases; ANESTHESIA; GENERAL anesthesia; BRAIN diseases; NEUROLOGICAL disorders; SPINAL cord injuries; EPIDURAL anesthesia; LEGAL liability; POSTOPERATIVE care; NERVE block; LOCAL anesthesia; ORAL diseases; MEDICAL errors; NECK injuries; SPINAL injuries; CHI-squared test; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; QUALITY assurance; SPINAL anesthesia; DRUG side effects; DAMAGES (Law); DATA analysis software; ESOPHAGUS diseases; PAIN management; SECONDARY analysis
- Publication
AANA Journal, 2022, Vol 90, Issue 6, p455
- ISSN
0094-6354
- Publication type
Article