"Healthcare-caused harm", instead of "Malpractice"

Abstract

Malpractice has gained an alarming dimension especially along with the introduction of compulsory professional liability insurance. On the other hand, it is quite difficult to say that malpractice is discussed by considering all responsible determinants. According to individual-focused approach, the error is caused by single individual, so the solution can be achieved by punishing the individual. It is known that this approach does not reduce errors, and adversely affect services due to high compensations and increased insurance premiums. In Turkey, malpractice is simply considered in the customer-seller relationship context, and individual-focused approach is adopted. However, it is well established that this "blame-culture" has negative effects on service provided, social perception of the profession, and job satisfaction. Beside recognizing individual professional responsibilities, basically it should be stressed that declaring healthcare workers as mainly responsible would not be fair. In addition, it violates right to health because of increasing the preventable errors and harms.