Analysis of medical malpractice complaints in gynecology and obstetric reffered to the medical commission of L.M.O in Tehran from 2001-2002; causes & preventative resolutions

In spite of efforts of medical staff and also the progress made in treatment technology, today the patient dissatisfaction and complaints are increasing. On the one hand, this could be a result of medical mistakes, on the other hand, the root of the problem is doctors` failure in establishing a close relationship with their patients which has recently been the main reason for bringing an action against them. This study which was a cross sectional descriptive one was carried out in 2001 -2002 on 768 cases of complaint about medical negligence in the medical commission of Legal Medicine Organization of Iran.Using SPSS helped in analysis of the data. Ninety seven cases (%12.63) were about medical negligence in obstetric and gynecology. After a thorough study, among 97 cases,there had been some medical negligence in 41 cases. It had been recognized that obstetric and gynecology specialists in 36 cases (%37.11), obstetric staff in 9 cases (%9.28) and anaesthesiology staff in 4 cases (%4.12) were negligent of their duties. Most complaints were about death of the patient (43 cases, %44.33) including 23 neonates, 17 pregnant women and 3 women who were not pregnant. Legally speaking, the most common sorts of negligence had been lack of expertise and carelessness, respectively. Among these cases, most complaints in 38 cases(%39.8) had been reported from private centers and among all cases of negligence which were confirmed, the number of ones related to university centers were less than those of other treatment centers. Obstetricians and gynecologists are recommended not only to behave well towards patients andtheir relatives but also inform them about unpredictable and possible complications of any medical treatmentas well. They should hold meetings to advise patients and pay much attention and care to them before and aftersurgery.Also doctors should be instructed on their legal issues of their preofession.