Analysis of Medical Malpractice Clams and Measures Proposed by the Health Professionals Ethics Federal Committee of Ethiopia: Review of the Three Years Proceedings

ABSTRACT

Background: Medical malpractice is professional negligence by a healthcare provider in which the treatment provided falls below the standard and causes injury or death to the patient. Objective: To describe the adverse medical events; claims and decisions taken by the Ethiopian Health professionals Ethics Committee at the Federal level. Methods: A three-year report of the Ethics Committee and relevant documents of proclamations and regulations were reviewed. Results: Between January 2011 and December 2013; the committee reviewed 60 complaints against health professionals. About one third of the complaints were filed by the patients and/or their families; about 32 by the police or court and the rest were filed by Addis Ababa health bureau; health professionals and other unrelate4d observers. Thirty-nine complaints were related to death of the patient and 15 complaints were about disability. Twenty-five of the claims were against Obstetric and Gynecology specialists and 9 were against general surgeons. The committee verified that 14 of the 60 claims had ethical breach and/or negligence (incompetence). The committee took reasonable time to review complaints and respond the concerned authorities. Conclusion: The study showed that of the total claims lower than a quarter (23.3) were proven beyond the benefit of doubt. More than 3/4 (76.7) of the complaints were wrong. Hospitals should lead in preventing patient injury. Creation of more awareness among Obstetrics and Gynecology specialists; General and Orthopaedic Surgeons about medical errors is needed and special training should be given to those joining these specialities