Ethical and medicolegal considerations

Abstract

Despite the fact that physicians seek to provide excellent clinical care for their patients, issues of medical malpractice may arise for even the most conscientious and well-trained physician. Urologists face an 11% annual risk of being involved in a malpractice claim, with about 3% of urologists per year facing a claim that results in a payment to a plaintiff. As such, it is important for urologists to be informed about medical malpractice. This chapter seeks to inform urologists about the medical malpractice system in the United States, provide data about malpractice claims in urology, educate readers about the malpractice claim process, and review strategies for preventing malpractice claims, as well as provide an overview on malpractice insurance and tort reform. In addition, we discuss medicolegal considerations in new surgical technology and techniques, as well as inform urologists about ethical considerations that they should be knowledgeable about in their practice, such as the principles of medical ethics, informed consent, conflicts of interest, expert witness testimony, and in-office ancillary procedures.