Maternal and Neonatal Complications Leading to Midwifery Errors in Referred Cases to the Iranian Legal Medicine Organization and Medical Council of Forensic Medicine from 2006 - 2011 in Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> Maternal and neonatal health indicators have the important role in evaluating community development. <strong>Objectives:</strong> In this study, we examined the effects of maternal and fetal complications leading to midwifery errors in referred cases to the Iranian Legal Medicine Organization and Medical Council of Forensic Medicine from 2006 - 2011 in Isfahan, Iran. <strong>Methods:</strong> In this cross - sectional study, we evaluated all midwifery cases that were referred to the Isfahan Legal Medicine organization and Medical Council of Forensic Medicine from 2006 - 2011 that had at least one warrant issued by the outcome of the Disciplinary Board. The data were collected by a checklist and analyzed by SPSS - 18. Research data were qualitative and quantitative (discrete and continuous variables). <strong>Results:</strong> A total of 206 cases were reviewed. In 66 cases, 32% of them the malpractice verdict in midwifery services was approved. According to our findings, the most maternal and fetal errors led to the complaint include: fetal or neonatal death (29.4%), maternal mortality (18.1%), and neurological disorders (15.3%). In addition, the highest rates of maternal medical malpractice were maternal mortality (56.8%) and in infant complications, infant mortality with 28.8% frequency (P = 0.03). <strong>Conclusions:</strong> It seems the maternal health program effort is impaired in our country. The maternal mortality is unacceptable, due to the fact that many of them are preventable. Taking strategies to prevent replication errors within the care of pregnant women is recommended.