Stress management can lead to reduced malpractice.

Abstract

The prevention of medical malpractice is not an easy task. There is no one factor that can be said to be the "cause" of malpractice claims. Many areas have been targeted for concern--interaction between an individual professional and the patient, interaction among members of the professional staff, use and outcome of the application of medical technology, management practices, occupational environment, level of education and training, and personal coping styles. Although the degree to which attention to stress management techniques can be expected to reduce malpractice claims is unclear, it seems certain that attempts to alleviate occupational stress would be productive.