The effects of malpractice litigation on physicians, families, and office staff are insidious and dramatic. Malpractice litigation is a protracted process frequently taking years to complete, subjecting the physician, family and office staff to an array of emotional and psychological effects. Physicians are usually shocked that the patient has initiated a malpractice action. Anxiety, anger and self-doubt follow, frequently leading the physician to question all the treatment decisions made in the patient s care and wondering if each patient treated will feel or do the same. Malpractice allegations are not singular incidents.
Adverse publicity can surface throughout the ordeal, adding to the physician's anxiety and stress.
Few physicians want to acknowledge that they have been sued. Physicians, however, are required to report all claims and suits in each application or reappointment for hospital privileges or application for managed care contracts. No less important, the stress of malpractice litigation also takes its toll on the physician's own health. Insomnia, hypertension, depression, and substance abuse are just a few of the effects reported by physicians. Families and office staff also suffer the consequences of malpractice litigation.