Investigating errors in medical imaging: medical malpractice cases in Finland

Insights into Imaging - Tập 12 Số 1 - 2021
Tarja Tarkiainen1, Miia Turpeinen2, Marianne Haapea3, Elina Liukkonen4, Jaakko Niinimäki5
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
2Administrative Centre, Research Unit of Biomedicine, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
3Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
4Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
5Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland

Tóm tắt

Abstract Objective The objectives of the study were to survey patient injury claims concerning medical imaging in Finland in 1991–2017, and to investigate the nature of the incidents, the number of claims, the reasons for the claims, and the decisions made concerning the claims. Materials and methods The research material consisted of patient claims concerning imaging, sent to the Finnish Patient Insurance Centre (PVK). The data contained information on injury dates, the examination code, the decision code, the description of the injury, and the medical grounds for decisions. Results The number of claims included in the study was 1054, and the average number per year was 87. The most common cause was delayed diagnosis (404 claims, 38.3%). Most of the claims concerned mammography (314, 29.8%), radiography (170, 16.1%), and MRI (162, 15.4%). According to the decisions made by the PVK, there were no delays in 54.6% of the examinations for which claims were made. About 30% of all patient claims received compensation, the most typical reason being medical malpractice (27.7%), followed by excessive injuries and injuries caused by infections, accidents and equipment (2.7%). Conclusion Patient injury in imaging examinations and interventions cannot be completely prevented. However, injury data are an important source of information for health care. By analysing claims, we can prevent harm, increase the quality of care, and improve patient safety in medical imaging.

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Insights into Imaging

Tập 12 Số 1

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