A Novel Method for Identifying Patients with High Risk of Litigation in Plastic Surgery: Introducing the FATIMA Acronym.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been an upward tendency in the number of claims against Plastic Surgeons in some countries, while remaining among the most litigated specialists worldwide. Identifying the most frequent traits in Plastic Surgery claimants could aid surgeons in performing better patient selection and avoid liability.

METHODS

The three main legal databases in Spain were consulted for Plastic Surgery litigations in Spain over a five-year period. Data from the plaintiffs, defendants and judicial processes were collected. In addition, expert witnesses were interviewed and data from the main medico-legal association in Spain was collected. This data was contrasted with the available literature regarding litigation in Plastic Surgery worldwide.

RESULTS

A total of 199 court resolutions were analyzed, two expert witnesses were interviewed and "The Patient's Advocate Association" of Spain was consulted. The most frequent traits observed in the plaintiffs were summarized in the acronym FATIMA that describes a Female patient using Antidepressants or Anxiolytics, presenting body Tattoos, suing after undergoing a breast surgery with the use of Implants, Middle-aged and with Access to free legal services.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the acronym FATIMA in the identification of patients with high risk of litigation in Plastic Surgery could aid surgeons in performing adequate patient selection and avoiding medical liability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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