Introduction: Medical malpractice is an unintended consequence of providing health services to patients. Despite the efforts of the medical community and the advancement of medical technology; complaints have increased. This study aimed to take an effective step in preventing negligence by examining the extent of negligence and its related causes in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
Methods: A descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study was performed in 2021. Complaint cases against the negligence of obstetricians and gynecologists in 2017 were reviewed. Out of a total of 143 cases, 140 cases were reviewed after the approval given by the ethics committee in biomedical research. After completing the researcher-made questionnaire, data were analyzed by SPSS software version 23.
Results: From a total of 140 files, 50 and 90 cases resulted in negligence of obstetricians and innocence, respectively. Out of a total of 50 cases leading to negligence, the minimum failure rate was 2% and the maximum was 70%. Twenty-nine cases (58%) recklessness, 19 cases (38%) negligence, 1 case (2%) non-compliance with government systems and 1 case (2%) lack of skills; 2 cases (4%) delay in diagnosis, 11 cases (22%) incorrect diagnosis, 9 cases (18%) delay in treatment and 8 cases (16%) no indication of diagnostic or therapeutic action, 4 cases (8%) no diagnosis, 4 cases (8%) inappropriate technique, 8 cases (16%) non-observance of scientific standards, 2 cases (4%) non-supervision of resident work, 1 case (2%) disciplinary negligence and 1 case (2%) nurse negligence ; the reason was negligence.
Conclusion: The most common type of negligence is recklessness; by increasing the accuracy of medical and surgical procedures, the rate of negligence can be reduced. The Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Ministry of Health with the necessary planning can have a remarkable impact on reducing medical error and enhancing the level of public health.