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Related Experiment Videos

Psychiatric Malpractice: The Electroconvulsive Therapy Experience.

Paul Slawson1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of California at Los Angeles-Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Convulsive Therapy
|January 1, 1985
PubMed
Summary

Malpractice claims related to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are infrequent. Analysis of insurance data suggests ECT practice does not significantly contribute to malpractice losses or its negative public perception.

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Psychiatric Malpractice and ECT: A Review of 1,700 Claims.

Convulsive therapy·1991
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Psychiatric Malpractice and ECT: A Review of National Loss Experience.

Convulsive therapy·1989
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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Medical Malpractice Law

Background:

  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a psychiatric treatment.
  • Public perception of ECT is often negative.
  • The malpractice experience associated with ECT requires examination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the malpractice claims experience for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) within the American Psychiatric Association's professional insurance program.
  • To assess the significance of malpractice losses in relation to ECT practice and its public image.

Main Methods:

  • Review of 711 closed malpractice cases from the American Psychiatric Association's professional insurance program between 1972 and 1983.
  • Analysis of 17 cases specifically related to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Main Results:

  • Seventeen ECT-related malpractice cases were identified among 711 closed cases.
  • In these ECT cases, 9 were settled in favor of the psychiatrist, and 1 case resulted in a jury verdict for the psychiatrist.
  • Patients prevailed in 7 ECT cases through settlement.

Conclusions:

  • Malpractice losses associated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are not a significant factor in its practice.
  • The data suggests that malpractice issues do not substantially contribute to the negative public image of ECT.

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