The term “malpractice” today refers, on one hand, to a healthcare incident characterized by a negative and unexpected outcome compared to what was anticipated, and on the other, to a general allegation of errors by practitioners and/or the system.
From the alleged damage arises the complaint and the legal proceedings for compensation claims.
The Anglo-Saxon term malpractice is often used as a synonym for malpractice, though they have different meanings.
The former focuses solely on errors arising from medical or surgical practice—this approach has led to prevention methods and procedures such as “safety” and “clinical risk,” which are more closely related to medicolegal and legal aspects.
The latter shifts attention away from technical error and instead highlights the error in human behavior, which originates in the ethical domain and has an impact on practice through ethical considerations.
