La responsabilidad jurídica del médico, conceptos que se debaten entre dos ciencias / The Physician's Legal Responsibility, Debatable Concepts between two Sciences

La exigencia de responsabilidad jurídica a los profesionales de la salud ha experimentado, a pesar de su antigüedad, un auge en las sociedades contemporáneas. En el artículo se reflexiona sobre conceptos médicos y jurídicos que permitan clarificar los presupuestos de intervención del Derecho en el ámbito de la Medicina, en función de la determinación de la responsabilidad médica jurídicamente relevante(AU)

In spite of being demanded since long ago, legal responsibility from health professionals has experienced a boom in contemporary societies. This article reflects on medical and legal concepts that make it possible to clarify the assumptions for involving law in the field of medicine, based on the determination of legally relevant medical responsibility(AU)

Un viaje a la Argentina: el caso Asuero y la práctica ilegal de la medicina (Buenos Aires, 1930) / A voyage to Argentina: the Asuero case and the illegal practice of medicine (Buenos Aires, 1930)

Resumen Indagamos el derrotero de un personaje que, durante su estadía en Argentina, incidió en la vida porteña mediante los vínculos que trazó con la ciencia galénica, la esfera política y los medios de comunicación. Nos referimos a Fernando Asuero, especialista en nariz, garganta y oídos, oriundo de San Sebastián (España), figura cuyo itinerario por Buenos Aires en 1930 nos permite avizorar enfrentamientos propios del arte de curar, campo minado de competidores y cuantiosas tradiciones concomitantes y contrapuestas. A partir de una aproximación biográfica centrada en un estudio de caso mostraremos que, en ciertas oportunidades, los litigios imbricados al monopolio cognitivo terminaron por debatirse en el interior de un juzgado.

Abstract This article examines the activities of a well-known figure who, during his stay in Argentina, influenced life in Buenos Aires by cultivating his connections to medical science, the political sphere and the news media. The person in question was Fernando Asuero, an ear, nose and throat specialist from San Sebastián (Spain), whose activities in Buenos Aires in 1930 allow us to examine the conflicts within the healing arts, a field rife with competitors and numerous concurrent and opposing traditions. Using a biographical approach centered on a case study, this article shows that, at certain points, the disputes over cognitive monopoly ended up being debated within a courtroom.

Aspectos legales del consentimiento informado en odontología / Legal aspects of informed consent in dentistry

El consentimiento informado forma parte de los elementos que constituyen el expediente clínico. Por su importancia informativa sobre posibles riesgos y complicaciones inherentes al tratamiento a realizar, su elaboración resulta de vital importancia. Existen numerosas legislaciones y normatividades que regulan este notable documento; sin embargo, resulta alarmante que muchos profesionistas omiten su realización o lo elaboran erróneamente, poniéndolos en riesgo de sufrir problemas legales. Además, es una realidad que el consentimiento informado es un documento mal entendido por la mayoría de los profesionistas, pudiendo incurrir en numerosos errores por desconocimiento. El objetivo del presente artículo es informar al cirujano dentista sobre los verdaderos alcances del consentimiento informado con fundamento en la legislación vigente en México (AU)

Informed consent is part of the elements that make up the clinical record. Due to its informative importance on possible risks and complications inherent to the treatment to be carried out, its preparation is of vital importance. There are numerous laws and regulations that regulate this remarkable document, however, it is alarming that many professionals omit its elaboration or wrongly elaborate it, putting them at risk of suffering legal problems. In addition, it is a reality that informed consent is a document misunderstood by most professionals, and may incur numerous errors due to ignorance. The aim of this article is to inform the dental surgeon about the true scope of informed consent based on current legislation in Mexico (AU)

Civil claims related to dental care in Chile according to court rulings 2011-2017 / Reclamaciones civiles relacionadas con la atención odontológica en Chile según sentencias judiciales 2011-2017

Objective: To describe Civil Claims (CCs) related to the provision of dental care according to court rulings published on the website of the Chilean Judicial Power. Material and methods: Descriptive study of 62 CCs filed against dentists or dental clinics according to court rulings available on the website of the Chilean Judicial Power between the years 2011 ­ 2017, identified by court rulings using a keyword search. Data were tabulated and analyzed using EXCEL and Stata.15, through descriptive statistics, proportions comparison test, and Spearman's Rho test. Results: An increase in the number of CCs according to the 2011-2017 court rulings was observed. CCs were filed on average 27.5 months after the events occurred. Judicial processes lasted a mean of 27 months, and the Araucanía region accounted for the highest rate. The highest number of lawsuits were placed against male general dentists with a mean age of 44, filed by female patients with a mean age of 46. A total of 66.13% of the CCs were rejected by the court, and 33.87% were ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The financial compensation claims reached an average of $37,751,516 CLP (1500.32 Chilean UF), approximately $47,000 USD as of the date of the data collection process. Conclusion: There is an upward trend in the filing of CCs in Chile, although most were rejected by the court. A better understanding of the reasons that lead to the legal processes is necessary to prevent their occurrence.

Objetivo: Describir los Reclamos Civiles (CC) relacionados con la prestación de atención odontológica según sentencias judiciales publicadas en el sitio web del Poder Judicial de Chile. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de 62 CC interpuestas contra dentistas o clínicas dentales según sentencias judiciales disponibles en el sitio web del Poder Judicial de Chile entre los años 2011 - 2017, identificadas por sentencias judiciales mediante búsqueda por palabra clave. Los datos se tabularon y analizaron mediante EXCEL y Stata.15, mediante estadística descriptiva, prueba de comparación de proporciones y prueba Rho de Spearman. Resultados: Se observó un aumento en el número de CC según las sentencias judiciales de 2011-2017. Los CC se presentaron en promedio 27,5 meses después de ocurridos los hechos. Los procesos judiciales duraron una media de 27 meses y la región de la Araucanía registró la tasa más alta. El mayor número de demandas se presentaron contra dentistas generales varones con una edad media de 44 años, interpuestas por pacientes mujeres con una edad media de 46 años. El 66,13% de las CC fueron rechazadas por el tribunal y el 33,87% falló a favor. de los demandantes. Los reclamos de compensación económica alcanzaron un promedio de $ 37.751.516 CLP (1500,32 UF chilenas), aproximadamente $ 47.000 USD a la fecha del proceso de recolección de datos. Conclusión: Existe una tendencia ascendente en la presentación de CC en Chile, aunque la mayoría fueron rechazadas por el tribunal. Es necesario comprender mejor las razones que conducen a los procesos legales para prevenir su ocurrencia.

Desdobramentos judiciais do erro na enfermagem / Despliegue judicial de errores en enfermería / Judicial deployment of nursing error

Resumo Objetivo: Caracterizar processos com decisões judiciais por erros envolvendo profissionais de enfermagem. Métodos: Estudo documental, com os casos julgados e concluídos, que versavam sobre erro envolvendo profissionais de enfermagem. O levantamento foi realizado nos meses de maio e junho de 2018, no sítio online do Tribunal de Justiça do Paraná. As informações de interesse foram: local da ocorrência, profissionais envolvidos, características das vítimas, do erro e o desfecho da investigação. Para análise os dados foram submetidos à estatística descritiva. Resultados: Foram identificados 31 casos julgados, cuja maioria ocorreu em ambiente hospitalar (90,32%), com indivíduos adultos (64,71%). Em oito casos a vítima foi a óbito, em metade deles apresentou incapacidade temporária (17=50%) e sete pessoas apresentaram incapacidade permanente. O erro mais frequente envolveu a administração de medicamentos (38,71%), seguido por erro de assistência ao parto (19,35%). Em mais da metade dos casos o boletim de ocorrência foi registrado pela própria vítima (58,06%) e somente um perito médico foi consultado durante o processo (61,29%). Em 22 casos o profissional foi condenado. Destes, 20 foram condenações cíveis e duas criminais. Em média, os processos cíveis geraram ressarcimento de R$ 42.614,30 reais e nos processos criminais, a média de tempo de reclusão, convertidos em serviços comunitários foi de 18 meses. Conclusão: Os processos judiciais culminaram em condenações. Além disso, apontam à necessidade de melhor estrutura e apoio aos profissionais que passam pela experiência jurídica.

Resumen Objetivo: Caracterizar procesos con decisiones judiciales por errores donde hubo profesionales de enfermería involucrados. Métodos: Estudio documental con los casos juzgados y concluidos, referentes a errores donde hubo profesionales de enfermería involucrados. El análisis fue realizado en los meses de mayo y junio de 2018, en el sitio web del Tribunal de Justicia de Paraná. La información de interés obtenida fue: lugar del caso, profesionales involucrados, características de las víctimas y del error y desenlace de la investigación. Los datos fueron sometidos a la estadística descriptiva para su análisis. Resultados: Se identificaron 31 casos juzgados, cuya mayoría ocurrió en ambiente hospitalario (90,32%), con individuos adultos (64,71%). En 8 casos la víctima falleció, en la mitad de los casos la persona presentó incapacidad temporaria (17=50%) y 7 personas presentaron incapacidad permanente. El error más frecuente se relacionó con la administración de medicamentos (38,71%), seguido por error de atención en el parto (19,35%). En más de la mitad de los casos, la denuncia fue registrada por la propia víctima (58,06%) y se consultó solo a un perito médico durante el proceso (61,29%). En 22 casos el profesional fue condenado, de los cuales 20 fueron sentencias civiles y dos criminales. En promedio, los procesos civiles generaron indemnizaciones de R$ 42.614,30 y en los procesos criminales, el promedio de tiempo de reclusión, convertidos en servicios comunitarios, fue de 18 meses. Conclusión: Los procesos judiciales terminaron en sentencias. Además, señalan la necesidad de una mejor estructura y apoyo a los profesionales que pasan por la experiencia jurídica.

Abstract Objective: To characterize lawsuits with judicial decisions by errors involving nursing professionals. Methods: A documentary study, with cases judged and concluded that dealt with error involving nursing professionals. The survey was carried out in May and June 2018, on the online website of the Court of Justice of Paraná State. The information of interest was place of occurrence, professionals involved, characteristics of victims, error and outcome of the investigation. For analysis, the data were submitted to descriptive statistics. Results: There were 31 cases judged, most of which occurred in a hospital (90.32%) and with adults (64.71%). In eight cases, the victim died; in half, the victims had temporary disability (17.50%); seven people had permanent disability. The most frequent error involved medication administration (38.71%), followed by delivery error (19.35%). In more than half of the cases, police report card was registered by the victim (58.06%) and only one medical expert was consulted during the lawsuit (61.29%). In 22 cases, the professional was convicted. Of these, 20 were civil and two criminal convictions. On average, civil lawsuits generated reimbursement of about 10,654 US dollars. In criminal cases, the average length of imprisonment converted into community services was 18 months. Conclusion: Lawsuits culminated in convictions. In addition, they point to the need for better structure and support for professionals who undergo legal experience.

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.

Professional Practice and Neurosurgery: What Every Neurosurgeon Should Know about Malpractice

Introduction The objective of the present study was to review the epidemiological aspects of malpractice in neurosurgery and to identify preventive measures regarding malpractice for neurosurgeons. Methods The following terms (alone or in combination) were searched in the PubMed and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde databases: neurosurgery (neurocirurgia), lawsuits (ações judiciais), malpractice (erro médico), and litigation (litígio) and identifying studies on these topics published from 2000 to April 2018. Literature Review In Brazil, 6.9% of the physicians are sued per year. The most common type of malpractice alleged in litigation is negligence. According to the literature, the neurosurgical disease that has sparked the most litigation is spinal disease. The outcomes of these cases vary: sometimes the neurosurgeon prevails, and at other times the plaintiff prevails. To prevent or reduce malpractice claims, the neurosurgeon should take the following precautions: 1. follow medical protocols; 2. perform surgeries in an environment consistent with good medical practice; 3. evaluate and monitor antibiotic prophylaxis; 4. develop a good relationship with the patient based on ethics, good faith and transparency; 5. request the presence of the patient and of his or her family when there is a problem in order to didactically explain the case; 6. keep good medical records to document all of the actions performed (informed consent and description of the surgery and of the pre and postoperative); 7. always seek technical improvement (continuing education/professional development); 8. in the case of attending physicians, monitor patients, treating any postoperative complications; and 9. conduct multidisciplinary team meetings to optimize treatment decisions and to share responsibility for making difficult decisions.

La culpa médica en la responsabilidad de los hospitales públicos / Medical malpractice in public hospitals

Under Chilean public law, liability of a public hospital appears when the institution fails to accomplish its mandatory duties or incurs in negligence. As in private law liability, this system requires to determine the duties of hospitals and, in case of a medical accident, professional standards or duties. This paper explores the two main categories of medical malpractice, namely erroneous diagnosis and treatment failures based on public law theory and judiciary methods.

Plain access to justice and the orthodontist's activity in Brazil: vulnerability in the professional practice in the face of risks of malpractice lawsuits

ABSTRACT Objective: the present study aimed at evaluating the risks and vulnerability of orthodontists to legal compensation actions and verifying the hypothesis of these health care professionals having little knowledge concerning their rights and obligations as service providers. Methods: Three groups were formed to participate in a semi-structured interview. The first group had thirteen law professionals, the second group was composed of eleven orthodontists and the third group was made up of nine randomly selected orthodontic patients. Results: Relevant aspects related to the exercise of the professional activity of orthodontists that influence on the vulnerability of orthodontists in lawsuits were identified. After transcription, reading, and comparing the answers of the interviews, items capable of influencing judicial decisions, from the standpoint of Brazilian Justice Courts, were evaluated. Conclusion: It was verified that Brazilian orthodontists do not have adequate formation concerning the legal consequences of the exercise of their professional activity. Orthodontists also failed to establish proper contractual relationship, organize orthodontic records, and, most importantly, failed in communicating the risks and the therapeutic processes to patients during all phases of treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: o presente trabalho teve como objetivo apurar os riscos e a vulnerabilidade dos profissionais ortodontistas serem envolvidos em lides judiciais com finalidade indenizatória, além de verificar a hipótese de que esses profissionais possuem pouco conhecimento a respeito de suas obrigações e deveres como prestadores de serviço, bem como dos mecanismos que podem evitar tais demandas judiciais. Métodos: foram formados três grupos para entrevistas semiestruturadas, compostos por profissionais da área jurídica, profissionais ortodontistas e pacientes ortodônticos: no primeiro grupo, foram entrevistados 13 (treze) profissionais da área jurídica; no segundo grupo de entrevistados, foram abordados 11 (onze) profissionais ortodontistas; para o terceiro grupo de entrevistas, foram sorteados 9 (nove) pacientes em tratamento ortodôntico. Resultados: foram identificados itens ou domínios relevantes, relacionados ao exercício da atividade profissional dos ortodontistas, que repercutem diretamente em aspectos de vulnerabilidade deles, quando confrontados, objetivamente, com fundamentos de decisões judiciais envolvendo questões indenizatórias em face de tais profissionais da área da saúde. Após o trabalho de transcrição das entrevistas, leitura, compilação e comparação das respostas, passou-se à análise dos temas capazes de influenciar na rotina forense, a partir das tendências doutrinárias e jurisprudenciais encontradas nos Tribunais brasileiros. Conclusão: verificou-se que os ortodontistas não apresentam formação adequada para o completo entendimento sobre as consequências jurídicas do exercício de sua atividade profissional. Constataram-se, também, falhas por parte do profissional ortodontista, desde o estabelecimento da relação contratual, formação de documentação ortodôntica organizada e, sobretudo, registro, documentação e informação aos pacientes, ou responsáveis legais, em todas as etapas do tratamento.

El arbitraje médico y las quejas concluidas relacionadas con la población de menores de 15 años durante el periodo 2011-2015 / Medical arbitration and claims for malpractice related to health service users under 15 years of age during 2011-2015

Resumen: Introducción: Las quejas constituyen un indicador negativo en la calidad de la atención médica. El conocimiento de los problemas que las originan y sus consecuencias constituyen elementos fundamentales para las estrategias de mejora de la calidad. En este estudio se dan a conocer los resultados del análisis de laudos concluidos, emitidos por la Comisión Nacional de Arbitraje Médico durante el periodo 2011-2015, que corresponden a la población usuaria menor de 15 años. Métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo. Se analizó información extraída de los laudos concluidos en los últimos 5 años en los que la población afectada tuviera menos de 15 años, independientemente del servicio involucrado. Resultados: Se detectaron 40 laudos, la mayoría involucrados con servicios de pediatría, encontrándose una distribución homogénea por edad y sexo. Los porcentajes más altos se encontraron en las edades extremas de la población estudiada: menores de 1 año (32%) y de 10 a 14 años (30%). La principal causa de la queja fueron los problemas con los auxiliares de diagnóstico (45%). Se detectó un promedio de 8.7 eventos adversos por caso, la mayoría relacionados con procedimientos. Entre los daños destacan 12 defunciones y 9 discapacidades permanentes. Se encontró evidencia de mala práctica en el 65% de los casos y hubo una sentencia condenatoria en el 60% de los laudos. Conclusiones: Se obtuvieron resultados en cuatro grandes apartados: características sociodemográficas, descripción de la atención médica, eventos adversos y sus repercusiones en los daños a la salud, y la evaluación del acto médico y conclusiones del laudo.

Abstract: Background: Claims by health services users are a negative indicator of the care quality. To know the situations that originate them, and their consequences are key issues to consider in order to design strategies to improve the quality of health services. This study analyses the cases submitted to the National Medical Arbitration Commission with a final arbitration decision during the period 2011-2015, related to health service users younger than 15 years old. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study. We analyzed information extracted from the reports with a final arbitration decision in the last 5 years, selecting those where the affected users were younger than 15 years old. Results: A total of 40 cases arbitral award were found, most of them involving pediatric services, with a similar number of male and female users and a similar proportion in the extreme age groups, <1 year (32%) and 10-14 years (30%). The main cause of the complaint was related to diagnostic procedures (45%). An average of 8.7 adverse events per case were identified, most of them associated with procedures. Among the damages, there were 12 deaths and 9 permanent disabilities. There was evidence of malpractice in 65% of the cases and in 60% of the cases, the sentence was condemnatory. Conclusions: This manuscript shows information in four main sections: sociodemographic characteristics, description of medical care, adverse events and their repercussions on health damages, evaluation of the medical act and conclusions of the arbitration process.

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.

Civil liability: characterization of the demand for lawsuits against dentists

Abstract In light of the fact that dentists may be held civilly liable for their practice, it is important to understand the current situation of lawsuits filed against these professionals by studying current legal decisions and the literature. The objective of this study was to analyze the case law of the Court of Justice of São Paulo, Brazil, relative to the profile of patients and professionals, the most commonly involved specialties, the amounts litigated and the court decisions pertaining to civil liability lawsuits against dentists. In an inductive approach, a single researcher screened and collected civil liability rulings by accessing the Court's website, and following a statistical-descriptive procedure and an indirect observation technique. The most frequently involved specialty was prosthodontics. However, oral and maxillofacial surgery was related to a higher incidence of damages awarded to settle claims and to higher damage amounts. The dentist was found guilty in 44.32% of the cases researched. Pecuniary damages ranged between R$ 485.50 and R$ 12,530.00, and non-pecuniary damages ranged between R$ 2,500.00 and R$ 70,000.00. Most lawsuits were filed by women against male dentists. An increase in the relative number of lawsuits against companies versus individuals was observed.

Análisis de 7 años de la queja en gineco-obstetricia por la Comisión Estatal de Arbitraje Médico en Oaxaca, México / 7-year analysis of the complaint in gynecology-obstetrics by the State Commission of Medical Arbitration in Oaxaca, Mexico

ANTECEDENTES: Se realizó la revisión de 7 años del Sistema de Quejas Médicas en la Comisión Estatal de Arbitraje Médico del Estado de Oaxaca, México, entidad autónoma y calificada para dirimir el proceso de inconformidad durante el fenómeno de la atención médica. Se analizaron todas las quejas, formas de resolución y en especial se identifico la queja en gineco-obstetricia. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar la inconformidad en la queja del usuario en la especialidad de gineco-obstetricia. MÉTODO: Investigación documental, descriptiva, transversal, retrospectiva y sin implicaciones éticas, efectuada mediante el análisis de bases de datos del SAQMEDO de enero de 2008 a abril de 2015. Se seleccionaron todos los expedientes de quejas médicas de la especialidad, entre todas las presentadas. RESULTADOS: El Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social fue la entidad más frecuente en quejas médicas seguida por la medicina privada. Por octavo año consecutivo la ginecología y obstetricia prevalece como líder en quejas de los usuarios, sumando en el actual análisis 100 de 438 quejas. El origen de las quejas resulta de la deficiencia en la otorgación del servicio institucional y privado que contabilizó el 69% de los casos. CONCLUSIONES: La falta en el proceso de la evaluación del desempeño ha sido fundamental en la repetición de la queja en gineco-obstetricia. A lo largo de 8 años se ha repetido el modelo vicioso, sin que las instituciones hagan algo a cambio. De continuar ignorando el problema de manera local conseguiremos que éste ciclo se perpetúe.

BACKGROUND: It has been made a complete analysis of 7 years in the State Commission of Medical Arbitration in Oaxaca, one of the southern states in México. This Commission is the legal entity to judge the process of malpractice. The study was aim to identify the obstetrics and gynecology complains. OBJECTIVE: Characterize the medical complain in the obstetrics and gynecology specialty. METHOD: It was conducted a documentary research, descriptive, transversal, retrospective and without ethical implications, through analysis of databases of the State Commission of Medical Arbitration of Oaxaca, corresponding to 2008 -2015 activity report; we selected records were medical complaints in the specialty of gynecology-obstetrics. RESULTS: The Mexican Institute of Social Security Services became the most demanded medical provider closely followed by the private practice. Obstetrics and gynecology was the most demanded medical specialty for 8th uninterrupted years. From 438 claims 100 accounted to this specialty. The failure to give or perform the service was the origin of the complains. CONCLUSION: Absence of risk assessment and supervision of competence in the performance of the medical process were the most forthcoming issues when malpractice were continue to identified. Eight in a row years of failure to amended these vicious process speaks for itself. Lots of hard work are to be consider as a reliability strategy.

Medico-legal litigation in Obstetrics: a characterization analysis of a decade in Portugal / Litígio médico-legal em Obstetrícia: caracterização de uma década em Portugal

PURPOSE: It was to analyse the most critical areas in Obstetrics and to suggest measures to reduce or avoid the situations most often involved in these disputes. METHODS: Obstetrics cases submitted to the Medico-legal Council since the creation of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in 2001 until 2011 were evaluated. A comprehensive characterization, determination of absolute/relative frequencies, hypothesis of a linear trend over the years and the association between each parameter was done. RESULTS: The analysis has shown no significantly linear trend. The most common reasons for disputes were perinatal asphyxia (50%), traumatic injuries of the newborn (24%), maternal sequelae (19%) and issues related to prenatal diagnosis and/or obstetric ultrasound (5.4%). Perinatal asphyxia showed no significantly linear trend (p=0.58) and was usually related to perinatal deaths or permanent neurologic sequelae in newborn children. Traumatic injuries of the newborn, mostly related to instrumented deliveries, shoulder dystocia or vaginal delivery in breech presentation, has shown a significantly increased linear trend (p<0.001), especially related to instrumented deliveries. The delay/absence of cesarean section was the clinical procedure questioned in a significantly higher number of cases of perinatal asphyxia (68.7%) and of traumatic lesions of the newborn due to instrumented deliveries (20.5%). CONCLUSION: It is important to improve and correct theoretical/practical daily clinical performance in these highlighted areas, in order to reduce or even avoid situations that could end up in medico-legal litigations. .

OBJETIVO: Foi analisar as áreas mais críticas em Obstetrícia e sugerir medidas para reduzir ou evitar as situações mais frequentemente envolvidas nessas disputas. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados todos os casos relativos à Obstetrícia apresentados ao Conselho Médico-legal desde a criação do Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses em 2001, até 2011. Foi efetuada uma análise compreensiva, determinação de frequências absolutas/relativas, hipótese de linear trend ao longo dos anos e a associação entre os diversos parâmetros. RESULTADOS: As razões mais comuns para o litígio foram a asfixia perinatal (50%), as lesões traumáticas do recém-nascido (24%), as sequelas maternas (19%) e questões relacionadas com o diagnóstico pré-natal e/ou ecografia obstétrica (5,4%). A asfixia perinatal não teve qualquer tendência linear ao longo dos anos (p=0,58) e esteve geralmente relacionada a mortes perinatais ou sequelas neurológicas permanentes nos recém-nascidos. As lesões traumáticas do recém-nascido, principalmente relacionadas com partos instrumentados, distócia de ombros ou parto vaginal em apresentação pélvica, mostrou uma tendência linear de aumento significativo ao longo dos anos (p<0,001), especialmente relacionada com a instrumentação dos partos. O atraso/ausência de cesariana foi o procedimento clínico questionado num número significativamente maior de casos de asfixia perinatal (68,7%) e de lesões traumáticas do recém-nascido devido a partos instrumentados (20,5%). CONCLUSÃO: É importante melhorar e corrigir o desempenho teórico/prático da clínica diária nas áreas destacadas, a fim de reduzir ou mesmo evitar situações que poderão levar a litígio médico-legal em obstetrícia. .

The Legal Doctrine on 'Limitation of Liability' in the Precedent Analysis on Plastic Surgery Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

This study intended to review the precedents on plastic surgery medical malpractice lawsuits in lower-court trials, classify the reasons of 'limitation of liability' by type, and suggest a standard in the acknowledgement of limitation of liability ratio. The 30 lower-court's rulings on the cases bearing the medical negligence of the defendants acknowledged the liability ratio of the defendants between 30% and 100%. Ten cases ruled that the defendants were wholly responsible for the negligence or malpractice, while 20 cases acknowledged the limitation of liability principle. In the determination of damage compensation amount, the court considered the cause of the victim side, which contributed in the occurrence of the damage. The court also believed that it is against the idea of fairness to have the assailant pay the whole compensation, even there is no victim-side cause such as previous illness or physical constitution of the patient, and applies the legal doctrine on limitation of liability, which is an independent damage compensation adjustment system. Most of the rulings also limited the ratio of responsibility to certain extent. When considering that the legal doctrine on limitation of liability which supports concrete validity for the fair sharing of damage, the tangible classification of causes of limitation of liability suggested in this study would be a useful tool in forecasting the ruling of a plastic surgery medical malpractice lawsuit.

Professional misconduct or criminal negligence: when does the balance tilt.

On September 13, 2013, the Supreme Court absolved Dr Praful Desai, an oncologist, of conviction on the charge of criminal medical negligence in the treatment of one of his patients. This article examines the judgment of the Supreme Court in the light of medical negligence and criminal jurisprudence.

Estudio de las denuncias penales por responsabilidad profesional médica en el Instituto de Medicina Legal de Lima, Perú / Criminal claims about medical professional liability in the Instituto de Medicina Legal of Lima, Peru

Objetivos. Determinar las características de las denuncias penales por responsabilidad profesional médica, a partir de los informes periciales emitidos en la División Clínico Forense de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal donde se incluyeron todos los informes periciales emitidos del 2005 al 2010, en la División Clínico Forense de Lima, Perú. Se realizó el análisis descriptivo de cada una de las variables. Resultados. El 60,3% (495/821) de las denuncias penales por responsabilidad profesional médica fueron valoradas como acuerdo a la lex artis; el 16,8% (138/821) no acuerdo a la lex artis; en 13% (107/821) de los casos no se pudo emitir conclusiones, y en 9,9% (81/821) las conclusiones del informe pericial no incluyen una valoración del acto médico. Los casos donde la lesión se atribuyó al propio proceso de la enfermedad correspondieron al 80,9% (502/620), y los que se consideraron resultado de la asistencia sanitaria al 19,0% (118/620). La distribución de la causa de la lesión según el cumplimiento de la lex artis mostró diferencias significativas. Conclusiones. En nuestro país, las denuncias por presunta responsabilidad médica se encuentran en aumento, predominantemente en las especialidades quirúrgicas, donde la probabilidad de ser considerado como un acto médico no adecuado a la lex artis es mayor. Asimismo en un porcentaje importante de casos no se llegan a emitir conclusiones valorativas sobre el acto médico.

Objectives.To determine the characteristics of the criminal complaints claining medical professional liability, based on the expert reports issued by the Forensic Examination Division of Lima, Peru. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out, which included all the expert reports issued between 2005 and 2010 at the Forensic Examination Division of Lima, Peru. A descriptive analysis of each of the variables was performed. Results. 60.3% (495/821) of the criminal complaints for medical professional liability were valued as being in accordance with the lex artis while16.8% (138/821) were not in accordance with the lex artis. In 13% (107/821) of the cases, conclusions could not be drawn;in 9.9% (81/821) of the cases, the conclusions in the expert report did not include an valuations of the medical act.The cases in which the injury was attributed to the process of the disease itself accounted for 80.9% (502/620), and those in which in the injury was considered a result of the health care received were 19.0% (118/620). The distribution of the cause of the injury based on accordance with the lex artis showed significant differences. Conclusions. In our country, the number of claims for claimed medical liability is increasing, predominantly in relation to surgical specialties, where a medical act is more likely to be considered not in accordance with the lex artis. In addition, in a significant percentage of cases, no conclusions are drawn about the medical act.