Quality improvement lessons from Canadian thyroid and parathyroid surgery legal decisions - 15/08/24
Abstract |
Background |
This is the first study of Canadian thyroid and parathyroid surgery legal decisions, and the first study of surgical malpractice using the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) database. The objective was to identify quality improvement opportunities in surgical practice, to increase patient safety and satisfaction.
Methods |
Legal decisions relating to thyroid and parathyroid surgery in the CanLII database were screened. Cases were included if a surgeon was listed as applicant or respondent; they related to pre-, intra-, or post-operative management of thyroid or parathyroid disease; and malpractice was alleged. Cases were excluded if surgery was mentioned incidentally or for non-surgical focus.
Results |
Of the 347 unique legal decisions screened, 14 met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Surgeries occurred between 1976 and 2012, with 13 thyroid surgeries, 1 parathyroidectomy, and 4 mortalities.
Conclusions |
Quality improvement lessons include communication, pre-operative patient education and documentation of risks discussed, and in-person assessment of complications.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical abstract |
Highlights |
• | The first review of thyroid and parathyroid surgery malpractice cases in Canada. |
• | 14 thyroid surgery and 1 parathyroid surgery malpractice cases were identified. |
• | Complications include death, hematoma, nerve injury, and unnecessary surgery. |
• | Communication, timely follow-up and assessment, and documentation can be improved. |
• | Recommendations could improve patient safety, satisfaction, and reduce litigation risk. |
Keywords : Thyroidectomy, Parathyroidectomy, Malpractice, Litigation, Quality improvement, Canada
Plan
Vol 235
Article 115747- septembre 2024 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- To infinity and beyond: A historical bibliometric analysis of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Kylie J. Nabata, Reina Lim, Rachel Leong, Sam M. Wiseman
- Effects of diet and antibiotics on anastomotic healing: A mouse model study with varied dietary fiber and fat, and pre-operative antibiotics
- Michael Y. Guo, Jerry Liu, Patricia Balmes, Christine Yanta, Ali Motamedi, P Terry Phang
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?