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Shen Y, Li G, Tang Z, Wang Q, Zhang Z, Hao X, Han X. Analysis of the characteristics, efficiency, and influencing factors of third-party mediation mechanisms for resolving medical disputes in public hospitals in China. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1823. [PMID: 38977991 PMCID: PMC11232327 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19366-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical disputes, which are prevalent in China, are a growing global public health problem. The Chinese government has proposed third-party mediation (TPM) to resolve this issue. However, the characteristics, efficiency, and influencing factors of TPM in resolving medical disputes in public hospitals in China have yet to be determined. METHODS We conducted a systematic study using TPM records from medical disputes in Gansu Province in China from 2014 to 2019. A χ2 test was used to compare differences between groups, and binary logistic analysis was performed to determine the factors influencing the choice of TPM for resolving medical disputes. RESULTS We analyzed 5,948 TPM records of medical disputes in Gansu Province in China. The number of medical disputes and the amount of compensation awarded in public hospitals in the Gansu Province increased annually from 2014 to 2019, with most of the disputes occurring in secondary and tertiary hospitals. Approximately 89.01% of the medical disputes were handled by TPM; the average compensation amount with TPM was Chinese Yuan (CNY) 48,688.73, significantly less than that awarded via court judgment and judicial mediation. TPM was more likely to succeed in settling medical disputes in the < CNY10,000 compensation group than in the no-compensation group (odds ratio [OR] = 3.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53-6.45). However, as the compensation amount increased, the likelihood of choosing TPM decreased significantly. Moreover, TPM was less likely to be chosen when medical disputes did not involve death (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.36-0.45) or when no-fault liability was determined (vs. medical accidents; OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.20-0.67). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that TPM mechanisms play a positive role in efficiently reducing compensation amounts and increasing medical dispute resolution rates which was the main settlement method in resolving medical disputes in public hospitals of Gansu Province in China. TPM could help greatly reduce conflicts between doctors and patients, avoid litigation, and save time and costs for both parties. Moreover, compensation amounts, non-fatal outcomes, and no-fault liability determinations influence the choice of TPM for settling medical disputes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Shen
- Department of Medical Management, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Gaiyun Li
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiguo Tang
- Law School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Medical Management, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zurong Zhang
- Department of Medical Management, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiangyong Hao
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Xuemei Han
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
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Wang Y, Ram SS, Scahill S. Understanding Risk Factors for Complaints Against Pharmacists: A Content Analysis. J Patient Saf 2024; 20:e18-e28. [PMID: 38506483 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000001217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pharmacists constitute a crucial component of the healthcare system, significantly influencing the provision of medication services and ensuring patient safety. This study aims to understand the characteristics and risk factors for complaints against pharmacists through Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) published decisions. METHODS This study adopts a retrospective, qualitative approach. An inductive content analysis technique was used to analyze 37 complaints against pharmacists published decisions from the New Zealand Health and Disability Commissioner website to investigate a range of underlying risk factors contributing to the occurrence of complaints against pharmacists. RESULTS A set of 20 categories of risk factors emerged through the content analysis and were subsequently grouped into five overarching themes: pharmacist individual factors, organizational factors, system factors, medication-specific factors, and external environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study provide valuable insights that expand the understanding of risk management in pharmacist practice, serving as a valuable resource for regulatory bodies, policymakers, educators, and practitioners. It is recommended not only to focus solely on individual pharmacists but also to consider integrating their environment and individual behaviors to proactively address situations prone to errors and subsequent complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Wang
- From the School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Wang Y, Ram SS, Scahill S. Characteristics and risk factors of pharmacist misconduct in New Zealand: a retrospective nationwide analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:223. [PMID: 38378632 PMCID: PMC10880377 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10591-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Professional misconduct has evolved into a worldwide concern, involving various forms and types of behaviours that contribute to unsafe practices. This study aimed to provide insights into the patterns characterising pharmacist misconduct and uncover underlying factors contributing to such instances in New Zealand. METHODS This research examined all cases of pharmacist misconduct sourced from the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (HPDT) database in New Zealand since 2004. Characteristics of the sampled pharmacists and cases were extracted, followed by a systematic coding of the observed misconduct issues. Identification of risk factors was accomplished through content analysis techniques, enabling an assessment of their prevalence across various forms of misconduct. RESULTS The dataset of pharmacist misconduct cases comprised 58 disciplinary records involving 55 pharmacists. Seven types of misconduct were identified, with the most commonly observed being quality and safety issues related to drug, medication and care, as well as criminal conviction. A total of 13 risk factors were identified and systematically classified into three categories: (1) social, regulatory, and external environmental factors, (2) systematic, organisational, and practical considerations in the pharmacy, and (3) pharmacist individual factors. The most frequently mentioned and far-reaching factors include busyness, heavy workload or distraction; health impairment issues; and life stress or challenges. CONCLUSIONS The patterns of pharmacist misconduct are complicated, multifaceted, and involve complex interactions among risk factors. Collaborative efforts involving individual pharmacists, professional bodies, responsible authorities, policy-makers, health funders and planners in key areas such as pharmacist workload and well-being are expected to mitigate the occurrence of misconduct. Future research should seek to uncover the origins, manifestations, and underlying relationships of various contributing factors through empirical research with appropriate individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Level 3, Building 503, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Sanyogita Sanya Ram
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Level 3, Building 503, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Shane Scahill
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Level 3, Building 503, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
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Wang Y, Ram S(S, Scahill S. Risk identification and prediction of complaints and misconduct against health practitioners: a scoping review. Int J Qual Health Care 2024; 36:mzad114. [PMID: 38155372 PMCID: PMC10791111 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzad114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying the risk and predicting complaints and misconduct against health practitioners are essential for healthcare regulators to implement early interventions and develop long-term prevention strategies to improve professional practice and enhance patient safety. This scoping review aims to map out existing literature on the risk identification and prediction of complaints and misconduct against health practitioners. This scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage methodological framework. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases and finished on the same day (6 September 2021). Articles meeting the eligibility criteria were charted and descriptively analysed through a narrative analysis method. The initial search generated 5473 articles. After the identification, screening, and inclusion process, 81 eligible studies were included for data charting. Three key themes were reported: methods used for identifying risk factors and predictors of the complaints and misconduct, synthesis of identified risk factors and predictors in eligible studies, and predictive tools developed for complaints and misconduct against health practitioners. The findings reveal that risk identification and prediction of complaints and misconduct are complex issues influenced by multiple factors, exhibiting non-linear patterns and being context specific. Further efforts are needed to understand the characteristics and interactions of risk factors, develop systematic risk prediction tools, and facilitate the application in the regulatory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Level 3, Building 503, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Sanyogita (Sanya) Ram
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Level 3, Building 503, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Shane Scahill
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Level 3, Building 503, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
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Park Y, Kim JH, Lee KS. Changes in cesarean section rate before and after the end of the Korean Value Incentive Program. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29952. [PMID: 35984147 PMCID: PMC9388010 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Korean government implemented a value incentive program providing incentives to providers based on C-section rates, with the rates being publicized. The program ended in 2014 after the administration decided that the effects of the incentive program were limited. In this report, we analyzed changes in C-section rates with the value incentive program. METHODS The analysis used claim data from Korea's National Health Insurance. The study period (2011-2016) was divided into two phases: before and after the program. This study included 95 providers that were tertiary or general hospitals having more than 200 deliveries per year during the study period. The dependent variable was the risk-adjusted C-section rate. Independent variables included time and hospital characteristics such as hospital type, district, and ownership. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to analyze the data. RESULTS Our results showed that risk-adjusted C-section rates increased immediately after the end of the incentive program for C-sections. The immediate effect of intervention, a change of 1.73% (P < .05), was statistically significant, as was the trend after intervention, at 0.21% (P < .0001). The slope showed an increase after the intervention to 0.25% per medical institution, which was contrary to the trend of the preintervention decline (negative slope). CONCLUSION Risk-adjusted C-section rates increased immediately after the discontinuation of a value incentive program. Tertiary hospitals showed greater increases in C-section rates than general hospitals after the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- YouHyun Park
- Department of Health Administration, Yonsei University Graduate School, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-hyun Kim
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-soo Lee
- Department of Health Administration, Yonsei University Graduate School, Wonju, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Kwang-soo Lee, Department of Health Administration, Yonsei University, 1, Yeonsedae-gil, Heungeop-myeon, Wonju-si 26493, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
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Austin EE, Do V, Nullwala R, Fajardo Pulido D, Hibbert PD, Braithwaite J, Arnolda G, Wiles LK, Theodorou T, Tran Y, Lystad RP, Hatem S, Long JC, Rapport F, Pantle A, Clay-Williams R. Systematic review of the factors and the key indicators that identify doctors at risk of complaints, malpractice claims or impaired performance. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050377. [PMID: 34429317 PMCID: PMC8386219 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the risk factors associated with complaints, malpractice claims and impaired performance in medical practitioners. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Ovid-Medline, Ovid Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from 2011 until March 2020. Reference lists and Google were also handsearched. RESULTS Sixty-seven peer-reviewed papers and three grey literature publications from 2011 to March 2020 were reviewed by pairs of independent reviewers. Twenty-three key factors identified, which were categorised as demographic or workplace related. Gender, age, years spent in practice and greater number of patient lists were associated with higher risk of malpractice claim or complaint. Risk factors associated with physician impaired performance included substance abuse and burn-out. CONCLUSIONS It is likely that risk factors are interdependent with no single factor as a strong predictor of a doctor's risk to the public. Risk factors for malpractice claim or complaint are likely to be country specific due to differences in governance structures, processes and funding. Risk factors for impaired performance are likely to be specialty specific due to differences in work culture and access to substances. New ways of supporting doctors might be developed, using risk factor data to reduce adverse events and patient harm. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020182045.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Austin
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vu Do
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ruqaiya Nullwala
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Diana Fajardo Pulido
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter D Hibbert
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gaston Arnolda
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise K Wiles
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tahlia Theodorou
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yvonne Tran
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Reidar P Lystad
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Hatem
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janet C Long
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frances Rapport
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annette Pantle
- Medical Council of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robyn Clay-Williams
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Schaffer AC, Yu-Moe CW, Babayan A, Wachter RM, Einbinder JS. Rates and Characteristics of Medical Malpractice Claims Against Hospitalists. J Hosp Med 2021; 16:390-396. [PMID: 34197302 DOI: 10.12788/jhm.3557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalists practice in high-stakes and litigious settings. However, little data exist about the malpractice claims risk faced by hospitalists. OBJECTIVE To characterize the rates and characteristics of malpractice claims against hospitalists. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS An analysis was performed of malpractice claims against hospitalists, as well as against select other specialties, using data from a malpractice claims database that includes approximately 31% of US malpractice claims. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES For malpractice claims against hospitalists (n = 1,216) and comparator specialties (n = 18,644): claims rates (using a data subset), percentage of claims paid, median indemnity payment amounts, allegation types, and injury severity. RESULTS Hospitalists had an annual malpractice claims rate of 1.95 claims per 100 physician-years, similar to that of nonhospitalist general internal medicine physicians (1.92 claims per 100 physician-years), and significantly greater than that of internal medicine subspecialists (1.30 claims per 100 physician-years) (P < .001). Claims rates for hospitalists nonsignificantly increased during the study period (2009-2018), whereas claims rates for four of the five other specialties examined significantly decreased over this period. The median indemnity payment for hospitalist claims was $231,454 (interquartile range, $100,000-$503,015), significantly higher than the amounts for all the other specialties except neurosurgery. The greatest predictor of a hospitalist case closing with payment (compared with no payment) was an error in clinical judgment as a contributing factor, with an adjusted odds ratio of 5.01 (95% CI, 3.37-7.45). CONCLUSION During the study period, hospitalist claims rates did not drop, whereas they fell for other specialties. Hospitalists' claims had relatively high injury severity and median indemnity payment amounts. The malpractice environment for hospitalists is becoming less favorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Schaffer
- CRICO/Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions, Boston, Massachusetts
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chihwen Winnie Yu-Moe
- CRICO/Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Astrid Babayan
- CRICO/Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert M Wachter
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jonathan S Einbinder
- CRICO/Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions, Boston, Massachusetts
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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