Medical Error, Malpractice and Complications: A Moral Geography

HEC Forum - Tập 22 - Trang 145-157 - 2010
David M. Zientek1,2,3
1Seton Medical Center, Austin, USA
2The Center for Clinical Bioethics, Georgetown University, Washington, USA
3Austin, USA

Tóm tắt

This essay reviews and defines avoidable medical error, malpractice and complication. The relevant ethical principles pertaining to unanticipated medical outcomes are identified. In light of these principles I critically review the moral culpability of the agents in each circumstance and the resulting obligations to patients, their families, and the health care system in general. While I touch on some legal implications, a full discussion of legal obligations and liability issues is beyond the scope of this paper.

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