Iatrogenic Disorders: A Hidden Risk of Medical Treatment

Medical treatment is designed to alleviate suffering, manage symptoms, and improve patients’ health. However, medical interventions carry inherent risks, including the risk of iatrogenic disorders. Iatrogenic disorders are health problems caused by medical treatment or procedures. These disorders can be serious and even life-threatening, and they affect millions of people worldwide each year. In this article, we will explore the nature of iatrogenic disorders, their prevalence, and strategies to prevent them.

What are Iatrogenic Disorders?

The term iatrogenic comes from the Greek word “iatros,” which means “physician,” and “genes,” meaning “origin.” Iatrogenic disorders are conditions that are caused by medical treatment or procedures. They may occur as a result of a mistake made during diagnosis, surgery, or medication prescription. Iatrogenic disorders can also result from infections acquired in healthcare settings or the inappropriate use of medical equipment.

Iatrogenic disorders are referred to by a variety of names, including medical practice diseases, physician-induced diseases, drug-induced diseases, medically-induced diseases, unfavorable consequences of medical therapy, avoidable medical injuries, and medication misadventure.

Prevalence of Iatrogenic Disorders

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iatrogenic disorders are responsible for a significant portion of healthcare-related harm. In the United States, an estimated 250,000 deaths per year are caused by iatrogenic disorders. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Patient Safety estimates that medical errors, including iatrogenic disorders, are responsible for up to 440,000 deaths per year in hospitals.

Types of Iatrogenic Disorders

Iatrogenic disorders can take many forms, including medication errors, surgical mistakes, diagnostic errors, and infections. Medication errors are the most common type of iatrogenic disorder, with adverse drug reactions affecting up to 10 percent of hospitalized patients. Surgical mistakes, such as wrong-site surgery or leaving surgical equipment inside the patient, are also a significant cause of iatrogenic disorders.

Diagnostic errors are another type of iatrogenic disorder that can have serious consequences. A missed or incorrect diagnosis can delay necessary treatment or result in inappropriate treatment, leading to complications or worsening of the condition. Healthcare-associated infections, such as those acquired in hospitals or nursing homes, are also a common type of iatrogenic disorder.

Preventing Iatrogenic Disorders

Preventing iatrogenic disorders requires a comprehensive approach that involves patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can reduce their risk of iatrogenic disorders by being proactive in their care, asking questions, and reporting any adverse reactions or symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Healthcare providers can also play a crucial role in preventing iatrogenic disorders by adhering to established guidelines and protocols, improving communication, and engaging in ongoing education and training. Healthcare facilities can implement infection prevention measures, such as hand hygiene and environmental cleaning, to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Policymakers can also play a role in preventing iatrogenic disorders by developing policies and regulations that promote patient safety, quality improvement, and accountability. Such policies may include reporting systems for adverse events, accreditation standards for healthcare facilities, and mandatory training and education requirements for healthcare providers.

Treatment of Iatrogenic Disorders

The treatment of iatrogenic disorders depends on the type and severity of the disorder. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, surgery, and other medical interventions. In some cases, the iatrogenic disorder may resolve on its own, while in others, long-term treatment may be necessary.

Legal Aspects and Ethical Considerations

Iatrogenic disorders can result in medical malpractice lawsuits. Patients who have suffered from iatrogenic disorders can file a lawsuit against the healthcare provider responsible for the disorder. The lawsuit may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Iatrogenic disorders raise ethical concerns related to patient autonomy, informed consent, and the Hippocratic oath. Patients have the right to make informed decisions about their healthcare, and healthcare providers have an ethical obligation to ensure that patients are fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of medical treatments. The Hippocratic oath requires healthcare providers to do no harm, and iatrogenic disorders can be seen as a violation of this oath.

Key Takeaways

Iatrogenic disorders are a serious concern in healthcare. They can result from various causes and can have significant health consequences. The prevention of iatrogenic disorders is essential to ensure patient safety, and healthcare providers must take all necessary measures to prevent such disorders. In case an iatrogenic disorder occurs, patients have the right to seek legal recourse and compensation. Healthcare providers also have an ethical obligation to ensure that patients are fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of medical treatments, and to uphold the Hippocratic oath.

Preventing iatrogenic disorders requires a comprehensive approach that involves patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By working together, we can reduce the risk of iatrogenic disorders and improve patient safety.

Engr. Dex Marco Tiu Guibelondo, BS Pharm, RPh, BS CpE

Editor-in-Chief, PharmaFEATURES