The Study of Healthcare Malpractice

[[abstract]]The aim of this study was to explore the causes and types of healthcare malpractice. In this Cross-sectional study, data were collected by a structured questionnaire administered among subjects participating in Patient Safety Forum. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage and Chi-square test. Among 1119 nurses, 491 returned the questionnaire, representing a 43.88% response rate. The results indicated that the top five leading causes of healthcare malpractice were: 1) unreadable preprinted orders (59.7%); 2) a lack of competence of nurses (55.4%); 3) unclear oral orders (42.2%); 4) assignment of inexperienced staff (39.3%); and 5) poor communication (38.9%). Association was found between causes of healthcare malpractice and hospital levels. The findings provided information on the cause of healthcare malpractice and facilitated the reduction of the incidence by developing preventive strategies in the future