Claims in orthopedic foot/ankle surgery, how can they help to improve quality of care? A retrospective claim analysis

Fay R. K. Sanders, Patricia Wimmer-Boelhouwers, Onno X. Dijt, Gino M. M. J. Kerkhoffs, Tim Schepers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Orthopedic foot/ankle surgery is a high risk specialty when it comes to malpractice claims. This study aims to evaluate the incidence, characteristics and outcome of claims in this area. Methods: This was a retrospective, 10-year claim analysis, with data from an anonymous database. Baseline claim/claimant characteristics were collected from all orthopedic foot/ankle-related cases. Results: Of 460 claims in total, most were related to delay in/wrong diagnosis or to (complications of) elective surgical procedures. Whether a claim was settled was related to type of injury (fracture) and type of claim (diagnostic mistake). Median amount disbursed in settled claims was €12,549. Claim incidence did not increase over the years. Conclusion: Missed fracture diagnosis and “failed”/disappointing results of elective surgical procedures were the most common causes for claims. Sufficient knowledge of missed (foot) fractures and clear communication/expectation management before elective procedures could help to improve quality of healthcare and patient satisfaction.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)85-93
Number of pages9
JournalEuropean journal of orthopaedic surgery and traumatology
Volume31
Issue number1
Early online date2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2021

Keywords

  • Ankle
  • Foot
  • Malpractice claims
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Trauma surgery

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