| The Effect of Threat of Litigation on Forensic Pathologist Diagnostic Decision Making. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 21817872 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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BACKGROUND:: Recent litigation involving medical examiners has caused concern over certifying deaths. METHODS:: We administered a survey of 716 medical examiners regarding the effects of the threat of litigation. RESULTS:: Two hundred twenty-two medical examiners responded (31%). Of those who responded, approximately 13.5% admitted to having modified their diagnostic findings due to threat of litigation, and approximately 32.5% stated these considerations would affect their decisions in the future. Physicians who indicated they had or would modify their diagnoses expressed more concern over the possibility of litigation. Chiefs of services were less likely than staff members to indicate changing diagnoses. Practitioners whose jurisdictions included rural areas were significantly more likely to indicate that litigation considerations would affect their diagnoses in the future, although this was not true with those who had already modified their diagnoses. No correlation was found with elected versus appointed positions, accreditation status, sex, race, geographic location, or board certification. CONCLUSIONS:: Although very few medical examiners have actually been sued because of their diagnoses, a demonstrated threat of litigation has a substantial effect on diagnostic decision making. |
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Authors:
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William Russell Oliver |
Publication Detail:
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Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE Date: 2011-8-3 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology Volume: - ISSN: 1533-404X ISO Abbreviation: - Publication Date: 2011 Aug |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-8-5 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 8108948 Medline TA: Am J Forensic Med Pathol Country: - |
Other Details:
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Languages: ENG Pagination: - Citation Subset: - |
Affiliation:
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From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brody Medical School at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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