Abstract

THE INCREASE IN MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LITIGATION CASES IN UNITED STATES IN THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA

Pranavi Sagi*, Dr. Laxman Jakkala and Dr. Prabhakar Kolamuri

ABSTRACT

Background: Medical negligence is a growing global concern within the healthcare industry, as it directly impacts the safety of patients. This issue presents a substantial threat, potentially leading to patient harm, illness, impairment, or even fatality. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the pandemic's impact on medical malpractice cases, identify common types of medical malpractice cases, and analyze the regulatory measures implemented to mitigate them. Design: The research team conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library databases, followed by a meta-analysis following PRISMA criteria. Results: The research team analyzed 17 literature articles, of which eight articles were focused on medical malpractice cases during Covid-19 and nine articles on Non-covid 19 medical malpractice cases. The analysis revealed that the most prevalent type of medical malpractice during Covid-19 was the breach of duty and the most frequently encountered type of medical malpractice was injuries suffered by the patients in Non-covid 19 cases. Conclusion: Enhancements to the medical malpractice reform system, including screening panels, arbitration, mediation, and attorney fee controls, can result in stronger patient-physician connections and a reduction in malpractice lawsuits.

Keywords: Post-Covid cases, Non-covid 19 cases, medical malpractices, (1) the existence of a professional duty owed by the physician to the patient, a breach of this duty by the physician, the injury suffered by the patient as a direct consequence of the breach, th