The causes of complaints related to skin and cosmetics in general offices of legal medicine in Isfahan province, Iran, during 2002-2013

Abstract

Background: Medical errors almost have been the most common causes of proceedings against physicians, and a significant amount of complaints is related to inevitable issues. This study aimed to investigate the causes of complaints related to skin and cosmetics to give over preventive solutions. Methods: In this descriptive study, the medical malpractice cases related to skin and cosmetics were studied in general offices of legal medicine of Isfahan Province, Iran, during 2002-2013. As the instrument was a checklist, the formal validity was approved by the relevant experts. Mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables and frequency for qualitative variables were calculated using SPSS software. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the correlation of variables. Findings: Most of the complaints were from specialists (62.7). The issued votes included 41.9 failure, 55.8 acquittal and 2.3 were closed with no vote. The blood money was less than 25 in 55.6 of cases, 25-50 in 22.2 of cases and more than 50 in the 22.2 of cases. The chi-square test showed no significant relationship between the issued judgments and physicians’ educational certifications (P > 0.05). Conclusion: In general, we can say that the medical malpractices were related to specialists and the complaints mainly were from specialists in other fields. For this reason, making sure that the diagnosis is based on appropriate expertise and avoiding the interference in other fields are recommended. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.