Radiology Medical Malpractice Litigation in Taiwan from 2000 to 2021

• Published in: Journal of Radiological Science 2023-03, Vol.48, p.1-8
• Main Authors: Pang‑Yen Kuan, Chen Ju Fu, Chia‑Chien Wu, Ker‑En Lee, Yon Cheong Wong, Huan‑Wu Chen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2521-3334
• DOI: 10.4103/jradiolsci.JRADIOLSCI-D-23-00002

Purpose: To understand the number and types of lawsuits against radiologists in Taiwan, as a reference for future prevention of medical disputes. Materials and Methods: Search for all judicial cases involving radiologists from 2000 to 2021 in the ＂Judgments Database Judgments Database,＂ classified as interpretation, intervention and other. Results: There are 21 cases in total, including 8 criminal cases (38.1%) and 13 civil cases (61.9%). By category, there are 7 cases of ＂interpretation＂ (33.3%), 5 cases of ＂intervention＂ (23.8%), and the remaining 9 cases belong to ＂other＂ categories (42.9%). An average litigation time was 6.80 years (standard deviation of 3.86 years) for all cases, 6.62 years (standard deviation of 5.21 years) for criminal cases, and 6.90 years (standard deviation of 2.87 years) for civil cases. No physician was convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment. Only three civil cases were awarded damages, representing a ratio of 23% (3/13). The average compensation amount was NT$3.4 million (standard deviation of NT$2.73 million). Conclusion: Although medical dispute litigation may cause panic among medical personnel, the chances of radiologists being sued in our country are relatively low. This study attempts to allow nonradiation medical professionals and legal professionals to understand the professional field and scope of radiation oncology, as well as the legal rights and obligations that may arise in doctor‑patient relationships. It is hoped that this study will provide a judgment framework that is appropriate for clinical situations for the legal profession to handle medical disputes.