Infracción del deber de cuidado y responsabilidad penal del profesional de la salud

Introducción: A pesar de su antigüedad la cuestión de la responsabilidad jurídico-penal del profesional de la salud adquiere cada vez mayor importancia en el orden teórico y práctico, en cuyo escenario se pone de manifiesto una excesiva judicialización de la actividad médica como mecanismo de tutela de los derechos del paciente. Objetivo: Sistematizar las diferentes posturas teóricas que en la actualidad se aprecian en torno a la judicialización de la actividad médica y las causas que la estimulan. Método: Se llevó a cabo un estudio de carácter documental a través de una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva en buscadores bibliográficos como Scopus, SciELO, Google Académico y PubMed. La indagación de carácter argumentativa y exploratoria se realizó el 16 de marzo de 2023 y de los 30 artículos encontrados que abordaron la problemática de la mala praxis médica, solo 11 fueron elegidos para el estudio según criterios de selección. Desarrollo: Se sistematizaron las posturas teóricas sobre la judicialización de la actividad médica y las causas que la estimulan; además se determina la correcta interpretación de la lex artis como mecanismo de heterointegración normativa del deber de cuidado del ejecutor de actos médicos, en aras de evitar excesos en la aplicación de la ley penal en este ámbito de actuación profesional. Consideraciones finales: Una mayor intervención del Derecho Penal en el ejercicio de la Medicina no es el paradigma político criminal más eficiente en aras de proteger la vida e integridad del paciente frente a hechos de mala praxis médica.

Introduction: Legal and criminal liability of the health professionals, regardless its antiquity, at present has becoming more and more theoretical and practical relevance in which an excessive judicialization of medical activity is revealed as a mechanism for the protection of patient rights. Objective: Systematization of the different theoretical positions that are currently identified around the judicialization process of medical activity and the likely causes that stimulate it. Method: A documentary study was carried out through an exhaustive bibliographic review in bibliographic search engines such as Scopus, SciELO, Google Scholar and PubMed. The argumentative and exploratory research was conducted on March 16, 2023 and of the 30 articles found concerning medical malpractice, only 11 were chosen for the study with strict selection criteria. Development: The theoretical positions on the judicialization of medical activity and the causes that stimulate it were systematized; in addition, the correct interpretation of the lex artis was presented as a mechanism of normative heterointegration of the duty of care by the medical personnel, in order to avoid excesses in the application of the criminal law in this area of professional activity. Final considerations: A much greater intervention of criminal law in the practice of medicine is not the most efficient policy to protect the life and integrity of the patient in the face up to the medical malpractice.

Introdução: Apesar de sua idade, a questão da responsabilidade jurídico-penal do profissional de saúde adquire cada vez maior importância na ordem teórica e prática, cenário em que se revela uma excessiva judicialização da atividade médica como mecanismo de proteção dos direitos. do paciente. Objetivo: Sistematizar as diferentes posições teóricas que se apreciam atualmente em torno da judicialização da atividade médica e as causas que a estimulam. Método: Foi realizado um estudo documental por meio de revisão bibliográfica exaustiva em buscadores bibliográficos como Scopus, SciELO, Google Acadêmico e PubMed. A investigação argumentativa e exploratória foi realizada no dia 16 de março de 2023 e dos 30 artigos encontrados que abordavam o problema da impericía médica, apenas 11 foram escolhidos para o estudo de acordo com os critérios de seleção. Desenvolvimiento: Foram sistematizados os posicionamentos teóricos sobre a judicialização da atividade médica e as causas que a estimulam; Além disso, determina-se a correta interpretação da lex artis como mecanismo de heterointegração normativa do dever de cuidado do executor de atos médicos, a fim de evitar excessos na aplicação do direito penal neste campo de atuação profissional. Considerações finais: Uma maior intervenção do Direito Penal no exercício da Medicina não é o paradigma político criminal mais eficiente a fim de proteger a vida e a integridade do paciente contra atos de imperícia médica.

Identification Principle and Thought of "Medical Malpractice" Based on Theoretical Analysis / 法医学杂志

At present, medical disputes are still widely-concerned social problems and occasionally evolve into severe social events. In the dispute settlement mechanism, forensic identification opinion is the important technical support. Due to the high professionalism and complexity of medicine, the identification of medical malpractice has become major and difficult problem in the identification. This paper systematically analyze the concept of medical malpractice and five legal theories of malpractice determination, pointing out that China's forensic identification of medical damage should be led by the theory of "medical standards", supplemented by "prudent patient" standard and strengthen "peer review" in form. At the same time, seven main identification principles should be followed in practice: (1) take "obligation of diagnosis and treatment" as the basic principle of medical malpractice identification; (2) take whether to fulfill the obligation of diagnosis and treatment corresponding to current medical level as the specific principle; (3) take diagnosis and treatment routine, norms and guidelines as the main basis; (4) the principle of "peer review"; (5) the principle of "the generality of medical emergency action"; (6) the principle of "notification-informed-consent"; (7) the principle of "review of complications". This paper also puts forward the corresponding identification ideas in view of the above principles, hoping this helps standardize medical damage forensic identification activities.

Descriptive Analysis of Epidemiological Profile from Authors of Civil Claims Due to Supposed Medical Malpractice Against Neurosurgeons in Brazil

Introduction The neurosurgical practice often involves situations that require rapid and immediate decisionmaking, and a very lowmargin for error may eventually lead to an unsatisfactory clinical outcome. Thus, neurosurgery is considered as a medical specialty with high risk for the occurrence of litigation for supposed malpractice. The main objective of the present study was to identify the most prevalent epidemiological profile of the authors of civil claims for alleged malpractice against neurosurgeons, as well as to identify the legal strategies most commonly employed in this type of lawsuit. Methods This is a descriptive, retrospective and quantitative study, with review of the initials/exordials of all civil actions motivated by alleged malpractice against neurosurgeons, defended by an office specialized in Medical Law, from 2008 to 2018. Data were collected relative to the author of the action; the disease that led to the outbreak of the action; and some legal information of interest for the outcome of the litigation. Results During the period studied, 16 compensation/eviction claims were identified as being motivated by supposed neurosurgical malpractice. The average age of the authors was 51 years old; with a high school or undergraduate level of education in 75% of the cases, and especially from the Class B social extract (43%). Degenerative affections of the lumbar spine (12 cases, 75%) were the most common diseases that motivated the litigation, followed by brain tumors (2 cases, 12.5%), 1 case of carpal tunnel syndrome, and 1 case of chronic pain due to inflammatory radiculitis. The average value of the sponsored claim was 649,000.00 reais. Justice gratuity was granted in 80% of the cases and the reversal of the burden of proof by 30%. The main documentary evidence was medical reports ­ from third parties or the surgeon him/herself, and medical records.

Responsabilidad Médica en Chile: Fallos de la Corte Suprema de Justicia 2017 / Medical Malpractice in Chile: Rulings of the Supreme Court of Justice 2017

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los datos epidemiológicos y jurídicos de los casos por responsabilidad médica fallados por la Corte Suprema de Justicia chilena (CSJ) el año 2017, para relevar los escenarios de alto riesgo, aportando a su prevención. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, revisando los fallos de la CSJ en la base de datos electrónica del Poder Judicial chileno. Se seleccionaron y analizaron los fallos por responsabilidad médica. Se detectó un total de 61 casos por responsabilidad médica que alcanzaron la CSJ en 2017. Todos correspondieron a causas civiles. La duración promedio de los juicios fue 41,9 meses. La especialidad más demandada y condenada fue ginecología. La mayoría de las demandas y condenas afectó al Sistema Público de salud. Los casos que dan origen a las demandas son, en su mayoría, de atención de urgencias por sobre las programadas, y de tratamiento por sobre procedimientos quirúrgicos. El 54,8 % de los casos resultaron en la muerte del paciente. La mitad de los fallos condenatorios involucraba el fallecimiento del usuario afectado. Se deben investigar los factores de riesgo no sólo de la ocurrencia de mal-praxis, si no de la judicialización de los conflictos médico-paciente, especialmente en el área gineco-obstétrica, incluyendo los casos de instancias anteriores a la CSJ. Se debe investigar así mismo los factores de riesgo para la mayor propensión de los profesionales de sexo masculino de ser demandados y condenados por malpraxis médica.

ABSTRACT: The objective of the present study is to characterize the epidemiologic and juridical data for medical malpractice cases ruled by the Chilean Supreme Court (CSC) in 2017, to highlight the high risk scenarios, as a contribution to their prevention. A search of the CSC electronic database was conducted to identify and analyze CSC rulings for medical malpractice cases. In this study 61 malpractice cases ruled by CSC were identified. The CSC received only civil cases of medical malpractices during the studied period. The average duration of the trial was 41.9 months. Gynecologists faced suits and received sentences more frequently than any other type of specialist. The majority of prosecuted cases and convictions were associated with the public health system. A greater number of claims were related to emergency care than with scheduled procedures. Likewise, more claims were associated with non-surgical treatment than with surgical procedures. 54.8 % of all cases resulted in the patient's death. Half of the cases that lead to conviction, were related to the death of a patient. Risk factors should be investigated, not only of the occurrence of malpractice, but also of the judicial process of doctor-patient conflicts, especially in the obstetrics and gynecology area, including the analysis of cases of prior judicial instances. The risk factors for the higher propensity of male professionals to be prosecuted and convicted for medical malpractice should also be investigated.

Retrospective Analysis of 291 Cases of Medical Malpractice Involving Death / 法医学杂志

Objective To study the medical malpractice cases involving death, and discuss the identification ideas and methods of medical malpractice cases. Methods A total of 291 medical malpractice cases involving death accepted and settled from January 2012 to December 2017 at the Judicial Appraisal Center of Southern Medical University were collected. Based on the age, gender, hospital level, clinical department, whether or not autopsy was performed, cause of death, cause of medical mistakes, causality and causative potency of the appraised person, statistical analysis was made. Results There were more males than females in medical malpractice cases involving death. Mostly young adults or children were involved in these cases. The number of cases involving tertiary hospitals was the highest; among the clinical departments, the internal medicine department had the largest number of cases, followed by surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, etc. Autopsy rate has a trend of increasing year by year. Most patients die from the natural outcomes of their disease or ineffective treatment. Most hospitals have certain medical mistakes, and have an indirect correlation with the patient's death, mainly slight factors. Conclusion Judicial appraisal of medical malpractice should follow the principle of "one-effect and multi-cause", and comprehensively consider various factors such as, the diseases and constitution of the patient, natural outcomes of the diseases, the current medical technology and the level of diagnosis and treatment of the hospital, etc.

Retrospective Analysis on 1 900 Cases of Medical Malpractices / 法医学杂志

Objective To study the change trend, distribution characteristics and causes of medical malpractices in 18 years, through retrospective analysis of 1 900 cases of medical malpractices, in order to provide guidance for the precaution and the treatment of medical malpractices. Methods A thousand and nine hundred medical malpractice cases that were accepted by Hunan Xiangya Judical Identification Center from 2000 to 2017 were collected. Statistical analysis on the caseloads, the clients, the department distributions, the levels of the hospital and the causes of medical malpractices, etc were conducted. Results The number of cases commissioned by third-party accreditation agencies for medical fault identification was on the rise; The clients of medical malpractices changed significantly in 18 years. Most of the medical malpractice cases occurred in secondary and tertiary hospitals, significantly more in surgery, obstetrics and gynecology. The occurrence of medical malpractices was related to the doctor's insufficient prediction of the severity of the disease and the possible complications, and failure to fully inform the relevant duty of care, etc. Conclusion China's medical malpractice solutions and medical fault identification procedures are gradually improving. Strengthening the medical malpractice precaution awareness of medical workers in surgery, obstetrics and gynecology will be conducive to resolution of medical malpractices.

Medicolegal Identification of Medical Malpractices in Orthopaedic Surgery / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To analyze the characteristics of medical malpractices in orthopaedic surgeries, to explore principles and methods in medical legal identification, and to provide basic data for uniform medicolegal standard for the future medical identification.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on 100 cases of medical malpractices in orthopaedic surgery, among the 364 cases archived in Medicolegal Expertise Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University during 2002-2015.@*RESULTS@#In the 100 cases of orthopedic medical malpractices, with 104 hospitals involved in, 95 cases were judged with medical errors and the other 9 cases with no error. The top 3 reasons for errors were （1） inadequate observation or estimation of diseases （27.9%）, （2） intraoperative improper operation （17.3%）, and （3） delayed or missed diagnosis and treatment （12.5%）. The consequences of medical malpractices were mostly disability （61%）, followed by prolonged diseases （31%） and death （8%）. With regard to the causal relationship between medical errors and consequences, 95 cases （91.4%） were with causality and the other 9 cases （8.6%） with no causality. Specifically, 56 cases （53.9%） were with medical errors as the secondary causes accounting for 25% causative potency, and 20 cases （19.2%） were with medical errors as the major causes accounting for 75% causative potency.@*CONCLUSIONS@#It is pivotally important for determining the causative potency of medical errors to analyse the causes of damages in orthopaedic surgery and to distinguish subjective factors from objective ones of medical errors.

Analysis of Legal Liability in Medical Accident due to Nursing Practice through Precedents / 대한법의학회지

These days, medical practice tends to be highly specialized and divided into qualified medical personnel, including nurses. Recent amendments of medical law show the change of the nurse's role in medical practice. Traditionally, nursing has been an aid work to doctor's practices and is one of the core parts of medical practices. Nurses are a skilled occupational group and individuals are trained and licensed as professionals during their educational courses under government supervision. Because all of the nursing practices cannot be directed or recognized by doctors and nurses are building their own expertise as healthcare providers, they can be held accountable in medical malpractice. In the past, from the perspective of legal responsibility, the nurse was only regarded as an assistant to a doctor; hence, a nurse's malpractice was concluded as a supervising doctor's liability. In the case of medical malpractice caused by nurses, the range of responsibility will be different, depending on the scope of the work carried out by nurse and whether it was supervised by a doctor. Therefore, further discussion is needed regarding the scope of independent nursing practice in order to distribute the legal liability. The authors reviewed ten cases of precedents of medical dispute, examined the events in-depth, and analyzed the court rulings determining the legal responsibility of a doctor or nurse.

Requisitos para que proceda la responsabilidad civil por mala práctica médica / Requirements For Civil Liability To Proceed Due To Medical Malpractice

RESUMEN Un médico está sujeto a responsabilidad civil en el ejercicio de su profesión. Bajo la ley ecuatoriana, esta responsabilidad se genera cuando se cumplen tres requisitos: actuación dolosa o culpable, daño al paciente y nexo causal entre la actuación y el daño. Cumplidos estos requisitos, nace la obligación de indemnizar. Indemnizar significa pagar una suma de dinero equivalente al daño sufrido por el paciente.

ABSTRACT A physician is subject to civil liability in his professional practice. Under Ecuadorian law, civil liability arises when three requirements are met: fraud or negligence, harm and causation between the fraud or negligence and the harm. Once these requirements have been met, an obligation to compensate is born. Compensating means paying a sum of money equivalent to the patient´s harm.

Patterns of resolved medical malpractice cases in the Philippines

BACKGROUND@#Medical malpractice is an act or omission by a health care provider that deviates from accepted standards of professional practice leading to injury to the patient. Tort actions of negligence prevail when a plaintiff establishes in court that: (1} the physician had a duty to the patient referred to as patient-physician relationship; (2} a dereliction or breach of that duty occurred (3} the dereliction of duty resulted in damage to the patient, and (4} the patient was, in fact, damaged (Brown, 1976).@*METHODS@#The study was conducted to describe the patterns of the resolved medical malpractice cases in the Philippines. Transcripts of records of resolved medical malpractice cases were retrieved, analyzed and evaluated by 2 lawyers and the researcher.@*RESULTS@#Negligence was established as the main cause of litigation among the 6 resolved medical malpractice cases. Eight physicians were found liable while 4 were acquitted. The litigation process was protracted, lasting 13-24 years.@*CONCLUSION@#The results of the study serve to provide an overview of medical malpractice cases in the Philippines. It is hoped to increase the awareness of health care providers regarding medical malpractice.

Forensic Pathological Examination on 73 Medical Malpractice Cases of Pediatrics / 法医学杂志

Objective To analyse 73 medical malpractice cases of pediatrics for discussing the importance of forensic pathology in solving the issues such as medical malpractice of pediatrics. Methods From January 2002 to August 2016, 73 medical malpractice cases of pediatrics with age of death between 28 days old and 10 years old were collected from Institute of Judical Expertise of Nanjing Medical University. The relationship between causes of death and related medical institutions was retrospectively analysed. Results In 73 cases, the male to female ratio was 1.70:1, and ages of 28 days old to 1 year old were com-mon (26 cases, 35.62％), followed by ages between 1 year old and 3 years old (21 cases, 28.77％). In 71 cases which had been determined the cause of death by postmortem examination, the main cause of death was disease, especially respiratory diseases (33 cases, 46.48％), followed by cardiovascular diseases (12 cases, 16.90％). In 75 medical institutes which involved with these medical malpractices, most were tertiary medical institutes (32, 42.67％), followed by the sub-secondary (excluding the secondary) medi-cal institutions (23, 30.67％). The clinical diagnosis of 38 cases (52.05％) completely or mostly corre-sponded with the pathological findings. There were 35 cases (47.95％) undefined or misdiagnosed cases. Conclusion Autopsy and forensic pathological examination contribute to determine causes of death, which not only provide scientific evidence for medical malpractice of pediatrics, but also enrich and develop clinical medical knowledge, and thus improve diagnosis and treatment level in a certain extent.

Forensic Analysis on 52 Medical Malpractice Cases of Cardiac Death / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To synthetically analyse the medical malpractice cases of cardiac death in forensic identification, and to explore the generality and characteristic of cause of death, medical malpractice and assessment of participation degree.@*METHODS@#Totally 52 medical malpractice cases of cardiac death examined in the Xiaoshan Branch Office, Hangzhou Minghao Forensic Judical Appraisal Institute, from January 2015 to April 2018 were collected. The general information of cases, medical institutions and situations of hospital stay, cause of death, medical malpractice and assessment of participation degree were retrospectively analysed.@*RESULTS@#In 52 cases, the male to female ratio was 2.25:1, and most subjects aged >50-60. Cardiac death caused by hypertensive heart disease or coronary heart disease was most common （67.3%）, followed by viral myocarditis and cardiomyopathy （13.5%）. There were 24 cases involved surgery, and the survival time after surgery was from 1 h to 118 d with a 7 d medium value. There were 63 medical institutes involved in these medical malpractices. Medical malpractice presented in most hospitals more or less, and the participation degree was >20%-30%.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Forensic appraisal contributes to determine causes of death, which not only provides scientific evidence for medical malpractice identification, but also improves diagnosis and treatment levels of medical institutions.

Liabilities for damages incurred by delayed medical treatment in patients with low cure rate / 中华医院管理杂志

It is difficult for the patients with low cure rate to achieve the requirements of the"but for rule"or "preponderance of evidence standard" in the traditional causal argument. In dealing with such cases ,judicial practice has tried to broaden the concept of damage ,and adopt the theories of"loss of chance" ,"expectation infringement theory"or"comparative possibility theory" ,with the purpose to make up for the applicable dilemma of traditional causality. However ,the expansion of the concept of the damage will objectively cause some problems like abuse of rights ,concrete right becoming nothing and even subjective imputation.In the current legal system ,we can analogical apply the rule of joint dangerous act ,and correct the causal relationship to resolve such incidents. It will be more fair and just .

Mediación en odontología y Garantías Explícitas en Salud en Chile 2005-2014: las diferencias entre el mundo privado y el público / Mediation in dentistry and Explicit Healthcare Guarantees in Chile 2005-2014: differences between the private and the public areas

RESUMEN: Antecedentes: En Chile desde 2005 se implementó la Ley Auge que establece como derecho de los usuarios, beneficiarios tanto del sistema público o privado de salud, cuatro Garantías Explícitas de Salud denominadas GES, entre las que se incluye la garantía de calidad y dentro de ella se establece la mediación como un procedimiento prejudicial, obligatorio, tendiente a evitar la judicialización de los casos de responsabilidad sanitaria. Este procedimiento contempla dos instancias de mediación según el prestador sea público o privado. Objetivo: describir las mediaciones por atenciones odontológicas en ambos subsistemas. Métodos: estudio trasversal descriptivo sobre las mediaciones efectuadas desde la implementación de este procedimiento (año 2005) hasta el año 2014, por prestaciones odontológicas, otorgadas tanto por prestadores públicos como privados. Resultados: En el periodo de estudio, se efectuaron 519 mediaciones en el ámbito odontológico. La mayoría (60,4%) de las reclamantes en mediaciones públicas son mujeres. Las especialidades o prestaciones odontológicas más comprometidas, información no disponible para las mediaciones públicas, son por atenciones de endodoncia (25%), implantología (16%) y prótesis (15%). El 58% de las mediaciones privadas y sólo el 34% de las públicas finalizan con acuerdo total entre las partes, existiendo dificultades para comparar ambos subsistemas, por la amplia variación en la recolección de datos. Entre las mediaciones públicas, un alto porcentaje de los reclamantes (70%) solo solicita disculpas y/o atención de salud y no busca retribuciones económicas. Conclusión: las reclamantes en las mediaciones en odontología son mayoritariamente mujeres, las especialidades odontológicas más comprometidas son endodoncia, implantes y prótesis, y la mayoría solicita sólo disculpas/explicaciones de los hechos y prestaciones asistenciales. Los registros de las mediaciones públicas y privadas contienen información disímil y parcial, por lo que se no se puede concluir sobre sus diferencias.

ABSTRACT: Background: In Chile since 2005 the AUGE Act establishes the rights of beneficiaries of both the public and private health systems four Explicit Health Guarantees called GES, among them quality assurance. The later included mediation implemented and established as a preliminary procedure, mandatory, intended to avoid prosecution of cases of medical malpractice. This procedure involves two instances of mediation depending on public or private providers. Objective: To describe the mediations arising from dental care in Chile. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study on mediatons since the implementation of this procedure (2005) until 2014, by dental benefits granted by both public and private providers. Results: During the study period, 519 mediations were performed in the dental field. The majority (60.4%) of complaints in public context are women. Specialties or more committed dental services, data available only for private mediations, are endodontics (25%), implantology (16%) and prosthetics (15%). 58% of private and only 34% of public mediatons end up with full agreement between the parties, with difficulties to compare the two systems due to the wide variation in data collection. Among public averages, a high percentage of claimants (70%) only request explanations/apologize and/or health benefits and do not economic compensation. Conclusion: claimants are mostly women, the most compromised dental specialties are endodontics, implants and prostheses, and most patients request only apologies/explanations about the facts and provided dental healthcare. The public and private mediations are not entirely comparable since data sources are dissimilar and contain partial information, so it is not possible to conclude about their differences.

Evento adverso pós-vacinação e erro de imunização: da perspectiva epidemiológica à percepção dos profissionais da saúde / Adverse event following immunization and immunization error: from the epidemiological perspective to the perception of health professionals

Introdução: o aumento da cobertura vacinal reduziu a incidência das doenças imunopreveníveis, elevando os casos de Evento Adverso Pós-Vacinação e Erro de imunização. Objetivo: analisar os erros de imunização e a percepção de vacinadores sobre os fatores que contribuem para a sua ocorrência. Método: abordagem mista, desenvolvida em duas fases: primeira, quantitativa, descritiva, documental, retrospectiva, no período de 2003 a 2013. Utilizados dados secundários do Brasil e primários e secundários do Paraná Sistema de Informação de Eventos Adversos Pós-Vacinação e relatório de erros de imunização do Programa de Imunização. A segunda, qualitativa, exploratória, prospectiva, tendo como referencial a Teoria do Erro Humano, realizada com vacinadores da Região Metropolitana de Curitiba que notificaram erro de imunização em 2013. Classificação do erro de imunização: com evento adverso e sem evento adverso. Para o cálculo das taxas de incidência de erro e diagrama de dispersão, foi utilizado o software SPSS versão 23.0 ajustados pelo Modelo de Regressão Linear Simples. Na fase II, os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas e observação não participante, analisados segundo Bardin, utilizando o Web Qualitative Data Analysis WebQDA. Resultados: de 2003 a 2013, no Brasil e no Paraná, o abscesso subcutâneo quente foi o erro de imunização com evento adverso mais frequente. Os menores de um ano foram os mais atingidos pelos erros e a BCG teve taxa de incidência mais elevada. A incidência do erro de imunização com evento adverso aumentou ao longo do período, enquanto o sem evento adverso, elevou-se expressivamente em 2012. A análise da tendência no Paraná de 2003 a 2018, revelou crescimento anual, com elevação contínua da incidência, para ambos, mostrando ainda que a elevação dos percentuais e taxas ocorreu nas campanhas de vacinação, introdução de novas vacinas e mudanças no Calendário Nacional de Vacinação. Nas observações das 26 salas de vacinação, identificou-se: refrigerador não exclusivo, falhas na higienização das mãos (78%), não abordagem sobre possíveis contraindicações ou adiamento da vacinação. Foram entrevistados 115 vacinadores, 96% mulheres, 42% entre 30 a 39 anos, 54% com nível médio de escolaridade e 53% formados há cinco anos ou mais. Atuavam na sala de vacinação entre 3 a 11 anos, 71% realizavam atividades concomitantes em outros setores e 76% não tinham outro emprego. A entrevista revelou que 47% dos vacinadores tinham conhecimento de erro de imunização no seu trabalho, 8,7% estiveram envolvidos em erros e 1,7% referiram haver subnotificação. Dos discursos dos vacinadores emergiram três categorias analíticas: fatores humanos (57,3%), institucionais/organizacionais (34%) e ambientais (8,7%). Das categorias empíricas, destacou-se fatores psicológicos (43,2%) e das subcategorias: distração (21,4%) e estresse (20,9%). Conclusões: o erro de imunização é causado pela interação de múltiplos fatores. Mantendo-se os cenários, as incidências de erro de imunização, com ou sem evento adverso, tendem a continuar ascendentes até 2018. Campanhas, novas vacinas e mudanças no calendário de vacinação aumentam o risco de erro de imunização. Na visão dos vacinadores, a ocorrência de erro de imunização está relacionada, principalmente, a fatores psicológicos e gestão de pessoas. A maioria dos erros de imunização é potencialmente prevenível, desde que a sua ocorrência e causas sejam identificadas.

Introduction: the increase in vaccination coverage reduced the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, increasing the number of cases of Adverse Events Following Vaccination and Immunization Error. Objective: to analyze the immunization errors and the perception of vaccinators on the factors that contribute to their occurrence. Method: mixed approach, developed in two phases: the first being quantitative, descriptive, documentary, retrospective, in the period from 2003 to 2013. Secondary data from Brazil and primary data from Paraná were used Surveillance System of Adverse Events Following Vaccination and immunization error reports of the Immunization Program. The second, qualitative, exploratory, prospective phase had as reference the Theory of Human Error, performed with vaccinators of the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba who reported immunization errors in 2013. Classification of immunization error: with and without adverse event. For the calculation of the incidence rates of error and dispersion diagram, the SPSS software version 23.0 was used, adjusted through the Simple Linear Regression Model. In phase II, the data were collected through interviews and non-participant observation, analyzed according to Bardin, using the Web Qualitative Data Analysis WebQDA software. Results: from 2003 to 2013, in Brazil and Paraná, warm subcutaneous abscess was the most frequent immunization error with adverse event. Children under one year old were the most affected by the errors and BCG had higher incidence rate. The incidence of immunization error with adverse event increased over the period, while its incidence without adverse event increased significantly in 2012. The analysis of the trend in Paraná from 2003 to 2018 showed annual growth, with continuous increase in incidence, for both, also showing that the increase of the percentages and rates occurred during the vaccination campaigns, introduction of new vaccines and changes in the National Vaccination Calendar. During the observation of the 26 vaccination rooms, the following were identified: non-exclusive cooler, failures in the sanitation of hands (78%), no addressing of the possible contraindications or postponement of vaccination. 115 vaccinators were interviewed, 96% women, 42% between 30 and 39 years of age, 54% with average level of education and 53% graduated for five years or more. They had been working in the vaccination room for 3 to 11 years, 71% performed concomitant activities in other sectors and 76% did not have another job. The interview revealed that 47% of vaccinators were aware of immunization errors in their work, 8.7% were involved in errors and 1.7% declared there being underreporting. The speeches of the vaccinators resulted in three analytical categories: human (57.3%), institutional/organizational (34%) and environmental (8.7%) factors. Those which stood out, of the empirical categories, were the psychological factors (43.2%), and of the subcategories, distraction (21.4%) and stress (20.9%). Immunization error is caused by the interaction between multiple factors. Conclusions: if kept constant, the scenarios and incidence of immunization errors, with or without adverse event, tend to continue increasing up to 2018. Campaigns, new vaccines and changes in the vaccination calendar increase the risk of immunization error. For the vaccinators, the occurrence of immunization error is related mainly to psychological factors and people management. Most immunization errors are potentially preventable, provided their occurrence and causes are identified.

Inferior alveolar nerve cutting; legal liability versus desired patient outcomes

OBJECTIVES: Mandibular angle reduction or reduction genioplasty is a routine well-known facial contouring surgery that reduces the width of the lower face resulting in an oval shaped face. During the intraoral resection of the mandibular angle or chin using an oscillating saw, unexpected peripheral nerve damage including inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage could occur. This study analyzed cases of damaged IANs during facial contouring surgery, and asked what the basic standard of care in these medical litigation-involved cases should be. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a total of 28 patients with IAN damage after mandibular contouring from August 2008 to July 2015. Most of the patients did not have an antipathy to medical staff because they wanted their faces to be ovoid shaped. We summarized three representative cases according to each patient's perceptions and different operation procedures under the approvement by the Institutional Review Board of Seoul National University. RESULTS: Most of the patients did not want to receive any further operations not due to fear of an operation but because of the changes in their facial appearance. Thus, their fear may be due to a desire for a better perfect outcome, and to avoid unsolicited patient complaints related litigation. CONCLUSION: This article analyzed representative IAN cutting cases that occurred during mandibular contouring esthetic surgery and evaluated a questionnaire on the standard of care for the desired patient outcomes and the specialized surgeon's position with respect to legal liability.

Inferior alveolar nerve cutting; legal liability versus desired patient outcomes

OBJECTIVES: Mandibular angle reduction or reduction genioplasty is a routine well-known facial contouring surgery that reduces the width of the lower face resulting in an oval shaped face. During the intraoral resection of the mandibular angle or chin using an oscillating saw, unexpected peripheral nerve damage including inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage could occur. This study analyzed cases of damaged IANs during facial contouring surgery, and asked what the basic standard of care in these medical litigation-involved cases should be. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a total of 28 patients with IAN damage after mandibular contouring from August 2008 to July 2015. Most of the patients did not have an antipathy to medical staff because they wanted their faces to be ovoid shaped. We summarized three representative cases according to each patient's perceptions and different operation procedures under the approvement by the Institutional Review Board of Seoul National University. RESULTS: Most of the patients did not want to receive any further operations not due to fear of an operation but because of the changes in their facial appearance. Thus, their fear may be due to a desire for a better perfect outcome, and to avoid unsolicited patient complaints related litigation. CONCLUSION: This article analyzed representative IAN cutting cases that occurred during mandibular contouring esthetic surgery and evaluated a questionnaire on the standard of care for the desired patient outcomes and the specialized surgeon's position with respect to legal liability.

Analysis of the Legal Effect of Settlement Agreements Prepared in Medical Litigation Following Plastic Surgery in Korea

BACKGROUND: Settlements between doctors and patients provide a solution to complicated disputes. However, some disputes may be renewed as a result of negligence by both parties. The purpose of this study was to review the legal issues that may potentially arise during the preparation of settlement agreements and to propose a list of requirements for ensuring the effectiveness of these settlement agreements. METHODS: Data from 287 civil cases concerning aesthetic surgery that took place between 2000 and 2015 were collected from a court database in South Korea. Factors that influenced the effectiveness of settlement agreements were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 287 court precedents, there were 68 cases of covenant not to sue. Eighteen cases were dismissed because the settlement agreements were recognized as effective, and 50 cases were sent forward for judgment on their merits because the agreements were not recognized as effective. The types of surgery and types of complications were classified by frequency. We evaluated the geographical distribution of the precedents, the settlement timing, and the effectiveness and economic impact of the settlements. We found that there was no statistically significant relationship among these factors. Four major factors that made a settlement agreement legally effective were identified, and the data showed that fee-free reoperations were not considered by the court in determining the compensation amount. CONCLUSIONS: When preparing a settlement agreement, it is advisable to review the contents of the agreement rather than to take the preparation of a settlement agreement per se to be legally meaningful.

O erro médico e o respeito às vítimas / Medical malpractice and the respect for victims

O erro médico advém de uma conduta profissional inadequada, capaz de produzir dano à vida ou agravo à saúde de outrem, por ação ou omissão. Essa situação tem se tornado cada vez mais comum no cenário brasileiro e o respeito e consideração às vítimas ficam ignorados. Dessa maneira, este estudo tem objetivo de identificar de que modo os profissionais envolvidos com o erro levam em consideração a pessoa da vítima enquanto ser humano. Foi utilizada entrevista semiestruturada realizada com cada uma das 12 pessoas que passaram pela situação do erro médico. Verificou-se que as vítimas se sentem desrespeitadas e sem direitos, quando acometidas pelo erro. Os médicos responsáveis se mostraram pouco disponíveis a ajudar e, menos ainda, a assumirem que erraram, reforçando uma relação desgastada. O estigma do erro médico no Brasil tem uma forte ligação com os juízos de valores impostos, dificultando sua aceitação para a vítima e profissionais.

Medical malpractice results from an inadequate professional conduct leading to damage to somebody´s life or health, due to some action or omission. Such a situation has become more and more common in the Brazilian scenario, and the respect and the concern for the victims are ignored. Thus, this study aims at identifying the ways the professionals involved in malpractice take the victim as a human being into consideration. An individual semi structured interview was performed with twelve individuals who had suffered malpractice. It was found out that the victims feel disrespected and deprived of rights, when they go through such a situation. Doctors didn't show willingness to help, nor they assumed the responsibility for their malpractice, which reinforces a impaired relationship. In Brazil the stigma of malpractice has a strong connection with imposed value judgments, which makes it more difficult to be accepted by both the victim and the professionals.

A insustentável leveza da culpa: a compensação de danos no exercício da medicina / The unbearable lightness of culpability: the compensation for damages in the practice of medicine

Diante das crescentes dificuldades apresentadas pela responsabilidade civil para lidar com a má -prática médica e com a compensação aos pacientes, muitos advogam a implementação do sistema no-fault , isto é, um mecanismo no qual o paciente é compensado por via de um fundo econômico de socialização do risco, independentemente da demonstração de negligência por parte do médico. Neste estudo comparámos as principais notas do modelo no-fault com o clássico modelo fundado na culpa, com vista a determinar qual o mais adequa do em termos de justiça, melhoria dos cuidados de saúde e segurança do paciente. Concluímos que, apesar de o modelo no-fault trazer muitas vantagens, também envolve sérias dificuldades, riscos e fragilidades. Nomeadamente, é duvidoso que promova a diligência na prestação de cuidados médicos, dado que em regra não se verifica qualquer sanção para o profissional de saúde. Além disso, só pode operar com sucesso em condições mui to concretas, que não se encontram na maior parte das ordens jurídicas. Por conseguinte, não cremos que seja a solução mais adequada, pelo menos quan do implementada como um mecanismo geral para lidar com danos causados por tratamentos médicos.

In face of the growing difficulties presented by tort liability in dealing with medical malpractice and patient's compensation, many advocate the imple mentation of a no-fault system, i.e., a mechanism in which the patient is compensated through an economic fund of risk socialization, in disregard of the demonstration of the physician's negligence. In this study, we compared the main notes of the no-fault model with the classical model grounded in culpability, to determine which one is the most suitable in terms of justice, improvement of health care delivery and patient's safety. We concluded that, despite the fact that the no-fault model carries many advantages, it also involves se veral difficulties, risks and fragilities. In particular, it is doubtful that it promotes diligence in health delivery, since usually the health care professional does not suffer any sanction. Furthermore, it can only operate successfully in light of very particular conditions, not found in the majority of legal orders. Therefore, we do not consider it the most adequate solution, at least when implemented as a general mechanism to deal with injuries caused by medical treatments.