[Iatrogeny in paediatrics: reconsider attitudes]

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Quality

Background:

• Iatrogeny, defined as harm arising from medical interventions, represents a significant public health concern.
• While iatrogeny is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, specific data for Portugal are lacking.
• Despite its clinical importance, iatrogeny remains an under-discussed topic among healthcare professionals.

Observation:

• The authors present a clinical case involving iatrogenic harm across relational, diagnostic, and therapeutic domains.
• This case illustrates severe adverse consequences for the patient resulting from these iatrogenic factors.
• The complexity of the case underscores the multifaceted nature of iatrogenic events.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates how iatrogenic events can manifest through various aspects of patient care, including interpersonal interactions, diagnostic processes, and treatment delivery.
• Serious patient harm resulted from the described iatrogenic incidents.
• The findings highlight the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of iatrogeny's different forms.

Implications:

• Physicians play a crucial role in mitigating iatrogenic morbidity and mortality.
• Continuous critical self-assessment and questioning of diagnoses and treatments are essential for early identification and correction of iatrogenic interventions.
• Promoting an environment where iatrogenic events can be openly discussed is vital for improving patient safety and healthcare outcomes.