A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE COMPLAINTS

Authors

  • Beatrice-Gabriela IOAN ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași
  • R. V. VORONEANU-POPA ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22551/9dgzjc10

Abstract

Medical malpractice complaints represent a genuine challenge for both medical and legal scholars. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of complaints filed against physicians for alleged acts of medical malpractice. Materials and methods: To achieve our objective, we conducted a qualitative study in which data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The participants in our study were lawyers with experience in handling medical malpractice cases. Results: A total of 14 lawyers participated in the study. Thematic analysis of the collected data led to the identification of 9 main themes and 21 subthemes. The central focus of this article is the investigation of the causes underlying medical malpractice complaints. According to the lawyers interviewed, these causes include dysfunctions in the physician-patient relationship, professional errors, and systemic shortcomings. Conclusions: Our research indicates that the reasons behind medical malpractice complaints are multifaceted. The results of this study may serve as a foundation for developing strategies aimed at reducing the number of malpractice complaints in the healthcare sector.

Author Biographies

  • Beatrice-Gabriela IOAN, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (III) / Legal Medicine 

  • R. V. VORONEANU-POPA, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Ph.D. Student, Doctoral School

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Additional Files

Published

2025-07-08

Issue

Vol. 129 No. 2 (2025): The Medical-Surgical Journal

Section

INTERNAL MEDICINE - PEDIATRICS

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