Journal article
Legal disputes over informed consent for cosmetic procedures: A descriptive study of negligence claims and complaints in Australia
MM Bismark, AJ Gogos, D McCombe, RB Clark, RL Gruen, DM Studdert
Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery | Published : 2012
Abstract
Background: Plastic surgeons and other doctors who perform cosmetic procedures face relatively high risks of malpractice claims and complaints. In particular, alleged problems with the consent process abound in this area, but little is known about the clinical circumstances of these cases. Method: We reviewed 481 malpractice claims and serious health care complaints resolved in Australia between 2002 and 2008 that alleged failures in the informed consent process for cosmetic and other procedures. We identified all "cases" involving cosmetic procedures and reviewed them in-depth. We calculated their frequency, and described the treatments, allegations, and outcomes involved. Results: A total ..
View full abstractGrants
Awarded by Australian Research Council
Funding Acknowledgements
This study was supported by a Linkage Grant from the Australian Research Council (LP0989178), with partner contributions from the Office of the Health Services Commissioner of Victoria, the Victorian Department of Health, and Avant Mutual Group Limited. Dr Studdert was supported by a Federation Fellowship from the Australian Research Council. Dr Gruen was supported by a Career Development Award from the National Health and Medical Research Council.