Concept and Origin of the Term
The word iatrogenia is derived from the Greek roots iatros (physician) and genes (arising from, produced by). In pathology, this term encompasses any adverse consequences of medical procedures—whether diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive. The ultimate outcome of such interventions is functional impairment, disability, or death of the patient.
In the structure of an autopsy diagnosis, such conditions occupy a specific position and are always entered directly under the "underlying disease" category.
Classification of Medical Actions
When adverse outcomes occur, the actions of medical personnel are divided into two main categories:
- Medical error — A conscientious misjudgment by a healthcare professional while performing professional duties. The key criterion is that the individual physician could not foresee and prevent this outcome. Such situations exclude negligence, ignorance, or malicious intent.
- Medical misconduct (malpractice/offense) — A situation where the specialist had a realistic opportunity to foresee and prevent negative consequences but failed to do so.
Causes and Legal Status of Medical Errors
The occurrence of medical errors is driven by objective factors:
- Lack of professional experience on the part of the specialist;
- Absence of necessary laboratory or instrumental resources required for accurate diagnosis at the given time.
Regarding medical misconduct, its causes are most frequently negligence (breach of direct duties) or mercenary motives. Such incidents lead to severe or fatal outcomes, though the legal status and the establishment of a crime can be determined exclusively by a court of law.