Defensive Medicine: Myths and Realities

  • Grigore TINICA “Prof. Dr. George I.M. Georgescu” Cardiovascular Diseases Institute & “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
  • Mihaela TOMAZIU-TODOSIA “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
  • Gabriel-Catalin TOMAZIU-TODOSIA “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
  • Raluca Ozana CHISTOL “Prof. Dr. George I.M. Georgescu” Cardiovascular Diseases Institute & “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
  • Diana BULGARU-ILIESCU Forensic Medicine Institute & “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.
  • Cristina FURNICA Forensic Medicine Institute & “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18662/lumproc.rsacvp2017.82
Keywords: defensive medicine, malpractice, cross-border medical assistance, healthcare system, medical liability

Abstract

The phenomenon of defensive medicine existed for decades in the United States but in Romania emerged lately following malpractice litigation and mass media aggression. Defensive medicine develops when doctors prescribe tests or procedures and avoid to treat high-risk patients or to perform certain high-risk procedures in order to reduce the risk of medical liability. This essay discusses the basis and principles of defensive medicine, analyses its causes and effects and debates the major problems affecting Romanian healthcare system, notably cross-border medical assistance. Finally, the authors examine alternatives to prevent defensive medicine practices with emphasis on cardiovascular surgery. Among physicians, some degree of defensive medicine will always exist, as long as malpractice risks shadow the doctors’ every footstep.

Keywords: ,,, , medical liability.

References

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Published
2017-08-18
How to Cite
TINICA, G., TOMAZIU-TODOSIA, M., TOMAZIU-TODOSIA, G.-C., CHISTOL, R., BULGARU-ILIESCU, D., & FURNICA, C. (2017). Defensive Medicine: Myths and Realities. LUMEN Proceedings, 1, 898-910. https://doi.org/10.18662/lumproc.rsacvp2017.82
Issue
Vol 1 (2017): Rethinking Social Action. Core Values in Practice
Section
Articles

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