The Impact of Medical E rrors on Physician B ehavior: Evidence from Malpractice L itigation

1. Fall 2013: Econ 339 Final Presentation Eric Felton December 3 2013 The Impact of Medical Errors on Physician Behavior: Evidence from Malpractice Litigation Reference:ItyShurtz, 17 December 2012, Journal of Health Economics 32 (2013) 331–340 Total:_________

2. Background to the Study • Medical errors have become of greater concern to society. • Examines the impact of physicians’ medical errors on their subsequent behavior • Relationship?

3. Data Used • Florida Obstetricians • sensitive to malpractice concerns • 25+ deliveries 1992-2008 • 403,336 Births by 459 Doctors • Looks at adverse events effect on decisions

4. Adverse Event • Procedure that led to a lawsuit • Average of 40 per year since 1992 • 55% of doctors in study had zero adverse events • Compares pre-adverse event rate of C-Sections performed to post-adverse event rate

5. Findings • 4% increase in C-Sections one year after adverse event • 8% increase in C-Sections two years after adverse event • Successful claims effect decision more than unsuccessful ones

6. C-Section Rate for Florida

7. Adverse Event’s Effect on C-Sections

8. Outcome of Claim • 69% of claims resulted in a payout • Weaker response among physicians who experienced an unsuccessful claim • Physicians’ response is concentrated among claims which are ultimately successful

9. Successful vs. Unsuccessful Claims

10. Conclusion • Relationship between medical errors and doctors subsequent events • Doctors who experience successful claims against them are more likely to perform C-Sections

11. QUESTIONS???