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Why do physicians stop practicing obstetrics? The impact of malpractice claims
R A Rosenblatt1, G Weitkamp, M Lloyd
1University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Older physicians, especially those in urban or solo practices, are more likely to stop delivering babies. Malpractice claims also influence obstetricians
Area of Science:
- Medical Malpractice
- Physician Practice Patterns
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background:
- Physician retention in obstetrics is crucial for maternal care access.
- Factors influencing practice discontinuation in obstetrics are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify characteristics of physicians discontinuing obstetric practice.
- To examine the role of malpractice claims in obstetric practice decisions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of physicians with obstetric malpractice insurance.
- Analysis of practice discontinuation and malpractice claim rates between 1982 and 1988.
Main Results:
- 171 of 690 physicians discontinued obstetrics.
- Physicians leaving obstetrics were older, more likely in urban/solo practice.
- Obstetricians who discontinued had higher malpractice claims (14.5 vs. 6.2 per 100 physician-years).
- Family physicians leaving obstetrics had lower claim rates.
Conclusions:
- Older physicians, particularly in urban and solo practices, are prone to leaving obstetrics.
- Malpractice claims significantly influence some obstetricians' decisions to discontinue practice.
- Specialty and practice setting are key factors in obstetric practice cessation.