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Defensive Medicine: Myths and Realities

In: Rethinking Social Action. Core Values in Practice

Author

Listed:
  • Grigore TINICA

    (“Prof. Dr. George I.M. Georgescu†Cardiovascular Diseases Institute & “Grigore T. Popa†University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania)

  • Mihaela TOMAZIU-TODOSIA

    (“Grigore T. Popa†University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania)

  • Gabriel-Catalin TOMAZIU-TODOSIA

    (“Grigore T. Popa†University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania)

  • Raluca Ozana CHISTOL

    (“Prof. Dr. George I.M. Georgescu†Cardiovascular Diseases Institute & “Grigore T. Popa†University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania)

  • Diana BULGARU-ILIESCU

    (Forensic Medicine Institute & “Grigore T. Popa†University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania)

  • Cristina FURNICA

    (Forensic Medicine Institute & “Grigore T. Popa†University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania)

Abstract

The phenomenon of defensive medicine existed for decades in the United States but in Romania emerged lately following malpractice litigation and mass media aggression. Defensive medicine develops when doctors prescribe tests or procedures and avoid to treat high-risk patients or to perform certain high-risk procedures in order to reduce the risk of medical liability. This essay discusses the basis and principles of defensive medicine, analyses its causes and effects and debates the major problems affecting Romanian healthcare system, notably cross-border medical assistance. Finally, the authors examine alternatives to prevent defensive medicine practices with emphasis on cardiovascular surgery. Among physicians, some degree of defensive medicine will always exist, as long as malpractice risks shadow the doctors’ every footstep.

Suggested Citation

  • Grigore TINICA & Mihaela TOMAZIU-TODOSIA & Gabriel-Catalin TOMAZIU-TODOSIA & Raluca Ozana CHISTOL & Diana BULGARU-ILIESCU & Cristina FURNICA, 2017. "Defensive Medicine: Myths and Realities," Book chapters-LUMEN Proceedings, in: Camelia IGNATESCU & Antonio SANDU & Tomita CIULEI (ed.), Rethinking Social Action. Core Values in Practice, edition 1, volume 1, chapter 82, pages 898-910, Editura Lumen.
    • Handle: RePEc:lum:prchap:01-82
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.18662/lumproc.rsacvp2017.82
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brian V Nahed & Maya A Babu & Timothy R Smith & Robert F Heary, 2012. "Malpractice Liability and Defensive Medicine: A National Survey of Neurosurgeons," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(6), pages 1-7, June.
    2. Daniel P. Kessler, 2011. "Evaluating the Medical Malpractice System and Options for Reform," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 25(2), pages 93-110, Spring.
    3. He, Alex Jingwei, 2014. "The doctor–patient relationship, defensive medicine and overprescription in Chinese public hospitals: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey in Shenzhen city," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 64-71.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    defensive medicine; malpractice; cross-border medical assistance; healthcare system; medical liability;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A3 - General Economics and Teaching - - Multisubject Collective Works
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty
    • M0 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - General

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