科研之友
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摘要
BackgroundPoor awareness and knowledge of lumps and bumps can impact on patient outcomes and survival. Late referrals or false reassurance may lead to litigation proceedings. The aim of this study was to identify the litigation cost in sarcoma care and identify areas for improvement. MethodOrthopaedic litigation between 1995-2010 in England and Wales was obtained from the National Health Service Litigation Authority. Litigation specifically relating to sarcoma in the extremities was identified. Causation, compensation fee, cost of legal defense, and compensation were analyzed. ResultsThere were 52 litigation claims. Negligence was proven in 71% (n=37) of cases. The total cost was 4.4 million (mean of 84,000 pound/case). The mean compensation award was 92,000 pound (range 650- pound 978,000) pound and the mean defense cost was 22,000 pound (range 0- pound 102,000) pound. Delayed diagnosis accounted for 89% of cases (n=48). Negligence following diagnosis was infrequent; inappropriate treatment (n=2), failure to recognize complications of surgery (n=2), intra-operative problems (n=1), failure to refer to a specialist unit after a whoops procedure (n=1). ConclusionsOnce the patient is within the specialist sarcoma unit, there is a very low rate of litigation. Efforts to reduce litigation in sarcoma treatment should focus on early diagnosis and raising awareness of sarcomas. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:361-363.
- 出版日期2016-3-15
