Analysis of medical professional liability claims in Catalonia, Spain (2002–2017)

Statistical information on the number of malpractice claims against physicians and the amounts of compensation by specialty is scarce and subject to several limitations, including age, a narrow geographic focus largely centered on the United States, limited access to legal claims data, and a lack of information on the number of awards. A retrospective analysis was conducted of malpractice claims filed with the Council of Medical Colleges of Catalonia between 2002 and 2017, examining the number of claims and the compensation costs by medical specialty. The analysis included claims covered under the professional medical liability insurance policy of the Council’s insurer, comprising a total sample of 4,832 claims. From the initial data of 4,832 claims, it can be seen that a limited number of specialties—namely Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, General Surgery and Digestive System, and Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery—account for 63% of the total cost in the period and 53% of the number of claims. An analysis of data from these four specialties could facilitate the identification of risk areas, the development of guidelines to ensure clinical safety (such as clinical practice guidelines and quality programs), and improvements through management based on good medical practices and error learning. These measures may reduce patient harm and the associated costs of medical errors.