Analysis of 500 obstetric and gynecologic malpractice claims: causes and prevention.

Abstract

Five hundred obstetric and gynecologic malpractice litigation claims were analyzed to determine the incidence of claims that could not be defended because of breach of standards of care, problems with documentation, or both. Of the 500 claims, 294 were obstetric and 206 were gynecologic. Of the obstetric claims, 79 (27%) were indefensible because of breaches of standards of care (71%), problems with documentation (5%), or both (24%). Of the 206 gynecologic claims, 45 (22%) were indefensible because of breaches of standards of care (62%), problems with documentation (24%), or both (13%). The incidence of indefensible obstetric and gynecologic claims was 25%. Indefensible claims were analyzed to determine the common medical and surgical problems that instigated the malpractice suits. Recommendations are made that should reduce the incidence of indefensible malpractice suits.