A comprehensive analysis of medical malpractice claims related to psychotropic substances: which psychotrop substances should be considered more medico-legal cautious?

IF 2.9 4区 医学 Q2 PSYCHIATRY
Muhammed Emin Boylu, Caner Beşkoç, Yusuf Atan, Muhammed Oduncu, Hızır Aslıyüksek, Şenol Turan
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Abstract

Introduction: Psychotropic drugs are commonly employed in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, yet they carry a number of risks due to their potential side effects and interactions with other drugs. Some medical errors in the prescribing of psychotropic medication may have adverse consequences for patients, which may result in physical harm or even death. The objective of this study is to define the processes to be considered by investigating medical malpractice claims related to psychotropic drug treatment.

Method: A retrospective examination was conducted of the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of medical malpractice cases alleged and reported by the relevant boards of the Turkish Council of Forensic Medicine (2nd Specialised Board, 7th Specialised Board, 8th Specialised Board, and 3rd Supreme Board) between 2013 and 2022.

Results: The majority of cases were male (72%), with an average age of 33.10 ± 16.63 years. The most common diagnosis was schizophrenia (28%), and the most frequent malpractice claims involved the effects of antipsychotic medications (50%). The most common side effects leading to claims were cardiac side effects (34%) in cases that resulted in death (p < 0.001) and extrapyramidal system side effects in other cases (14%) (p < 0.001). It was observed that 29 cases (58%) resulted in death. Antidepressants were more often claimed for causing deaths (p = 0.045), while mood stabilisers were more often claimed for resulting in injuries (p = 0.039). In 81% of non-fatal cases, the clinical side effect in question was determined to be related to the treatment (p = 0.002) and was managed appropriately as a complication (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Psychotropic drugs can carry serious risks, especially cardiac and extrapyramidal side effects. Careful monitoring and management of these medicines are essential for patient outcomes and safety. These side effects may lead to medical error claims in some cases; however, when managed correctly, they are not considered malpractice.

与精神药物有关的医疗事故索赔的综合分析:哪些精神药物应被视为更谨慎的医疗法律?
精神药物通常用于治疗各种精神疾病,但由于其潜在的副作用和与其他药物的相互作用,它们具有许多风险。精神药物处方中的一些医疗错误可能对患者产生不良后果,可能导致身体伤害甚至死亡。本研究的目的是通过调查与精神药物治疗有关的医疗事故索赔来确定要考虑的过程。方法:回顾性分析2013年至2022年土耳其法医委员会相关委员会(第二专业委员会、第七专业委员会、第八专业委员会和第三最高委员会)指控和报告的医疗事故案件的社会人口学和临床特征。结果:男性居多(72%),平均年龄33.10±16.63岁。最常见的诊断是精神分裂症(28%),最常见的医疗事故索赔涉及抗精神病药物的影响(50%)。最常见的副作用是导致死亡的心脏副作用(34%)(p p = 0.045),而情绪稳定剂更常导致伤害(p = 0.039)。在81%的非致死性病例中,所讨论的临床副作用被确定为与治疗有关(p = 0.002),并作为并发症得到适当处理(p结论:精神药物具有严重的风险,特别是心脏和锥体外系副作用。仔细监测和管理这些药物对患者的预后和安全至关重要。在某些情况下,这些副作用可能导致医疗差错索赔;然而,如果管理得当,它们不会被认为是玩忽职守。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
6.00
自引率
3.30%
发文量
42
审稿时长
>12 weeks
期刊介绍: International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice provides an international forum for communication among health professionals with clinical, academic and research interests in psychiatry. The journal gives particular emphasis to papers that integrate the findings of academic research into realities of clinical practice. Focus on the practical aspects of managing and treating patients. Essential reading for the busy psychiatrist, trainee and interested physician. Includes original research papers, comprehensive review articles and short communications. Key words: Psychiatry, Neuropsychopharmacology, Mental health, Neuropsychiatry, Clinical Neurophysiology, Psychophysiology, Psychotherapy, Addiction, Schizophrenia, Depression, Bipolar Disorders and Anxiety.
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