Characteristics of therapeutic and diagnostic errors in the management of traumatic brain injury by healthcare professionals: insights from forensic medical examinations on the quality of medical care.

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To identify defects in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) committed by medical personnel at various stages of providing medical care based on the results of forensic medical examinations.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Materials and

Methods

The article based on the study of medical care defects in cases of TBI. The research was conducted according to the data of forensic medical examinations by the SI "Main Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine" from 2012 to 2021. The study of the main clinical defects affecting the subsequent evaluation of TBI by forensic medical experts was performed.

RESULTS

Results

During the analysis of forensic medical conclusions, the defects of medical care were identified in 163 cases, accounting for 85,8±2,5%. A causal relationship between the defect and the adverse outcome was established in 103 (54,2±3,6%) cases. Among the cases with a causal relationship, 72 (37,9±3,5%) directly impacted the outcomes. Among the groups of defects was described such as incorrect assessment of patient condition, misinterpretation of clinical symptoms, failure to perform diagnostic measures, etc.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions

Defects in treatment were identified on different levels of medical care in a majority of cases (85,8%) and causal relationship between the defects and outcomes was established in 54,2% of cases. The findings indicate that a multifaceted approach is necessary to address the defects in medical care for TBI patients. This includes better diagnostic accuracy, improved treatment protocols, and addressing organizational and administrative issues.