Investigation of Medical Error Complaints Case in Health Care Practices: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to examine the profiles of medical errors cases caused by health care practices that reached a Provincial Health Directorate between 2012 and 2019. Method: The research designed as a retrospective cohort, was conducted by examining the records of 170 medical error complaint files opened because of health care practices, which reached a Provincial Health Directorate Discipline Branch Directorate between 2012-2019. In the study, file records were evaluated in accordance with the "Information Form" prepared by the researchers. In the analysis of the data, number-percentage distributions, mean and standard deviation were used. Results: It was observed that 46.5% of the complaint cases examined within the scope of the research, the majority of which belonged to the years 2012 (24.1%) and 2013 (23.5%), were personally made by the person who was subject to the error. 81.2% of cases were determined negligence (lack of care, inadequate treatment or evaluation), mostly in education-research (37.6%) and public hospitals (34.7%), gynecology (22.9%), emergency (21.8%) and surgery (14.7%) units were found to occur. It was observed that was the subject of complaint in the cases mostly performed by health professionals who’s responsible for the treatment (30% specialist physician, 24.7% operator practitioner and 21.2% general practitioner) and health professionals with 10 years or more of professional experience. It was determined that medical errors made in 27.1% of the cases were a factor in the loss of patients. In almost all complaints, there was a statement that property damage occurred. Conclusion: It has been observed that the mistakes made were negligent that the number of medical error cases decreases over time compared to the years. Medical errors that are the subject of complaints caused loss of function, disability, and property damage to the victim. Under the results of the research, it is recommended to make arrangement about working hours or workload of healthcare professionals, especially in risky clinics (surgery, obstetrics, emergency, etc.) and also to plan interventions such as in-service training that will raise awareness to prevent eventual medical errors.