Highlights
- •This study used a statewide judiciary database to quantify malpractice cases.
- •Male surgeons were more likely to be named in malpractice lawsuits.
- •A second graduate degree predicted more yearly malpractice cases.
Abstract
Background
Although medical malpractice lawsuits pose a significant burden, there is a paucity
of research on physician-specific characteristics influencing lawsuits against surgeons.
Our objective was to identify factors associated with general surgeons being named
in malpractice cases.
Methods
This was a cross sectional study of Maryland general surgeons, using malpractice data
from a publicly accessible judiciary database. Case number per decade and lifetime
lawsuit status were modeled with linear and logistic regression.
Results
Male surgeons had a higher average lawsuit volume (p = 0.002) and were more likely
to be named in a malpractice case (p < 0.001). In regression analysis, a second graduate
degree was a predictor of average cases per 10 years (p = 0.008) and male gender predicted
lifetime lawsuit status (OR = 1.73, p = 0.046).
Conclusions
Male gender was associated with increased odds of being named in a malpractice lawsuit.
Identifying this difference is a preliminary step in developing interventions to reduce
lawsuits amongst surgeons.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 09, 2022
Accepted:
November 9,
2022
Received in revised form:
October 14,
2022
Received:
June 11,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
