Analysis of the contentious relating to medical liability for healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in a Sicilian hospital.

Abstract

Background: Since 2012, the Sicilian regional government, in view of the increase in malpractice claims, has adopted a "self-insurance system" The claims management activities have been delegated to the Claims Management Committees (CMCs), the importance of which was also emphasized by Law No. 24/2017. This study aims to describe the experience of Sicilian Hospital CMC and analyze the claims' features, especially for contentious HAIs. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to be a major public health concern. The contraction of infection during hospitalization generally results in a significant worsening of the patient's quality of life and prolongation of his or her stay. Still, it is also responsible for an increase in costs that burden the hospital and the entire Health System.

Material and methods: The study investigates the analysis of claims received by a Messina Hospital Company between January 2015 and December 2023 even though for events that occurred in earlier years. From the database, cases in which the Company was sued for HAIs were extrapolated and analyzed, distinguishing them by year and by Department. The data collected were statistically processed with the Epi Info 7.1.5 program (CDC - Atlanta - USA).

Conclusion: The CMC experience highlighted a statistically significant increase in complaints especially for those relating to HAI, without differences by Department. In most cases, the CMC admitted the hospital's liability, and an attempt at conciliation was promoted and moreover risk management initiatives were adopted. This is important when considering the recent ruling 6386/2023 of March 3, 2023.