COMMON CAUSES OF MEDICAL LITIGATION IN HEALTHCARE: INSIGHTS FROM ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, NIGERIA

Medical malpractice is closely associated with medical errors, which refer to preventable adverse effects of care that deviate from established medical standards, often leading to patient harm. This study aimed to assess the most common causes of litigation among healthcare providers, specifically medical practitioners and nurses, at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTTH) in Enugu, South East Nigeria. A total of 300 healthcare workers, comprising 274 medical doctors and 26 nurses, participated in a cross-sectional survey conducted between February and June 2021. Participants' demographic information, including age, marital status, and years of practice, were collected, alongside their perspectives on the causes of medical malpractice litigation. Results indicated that 50% of participants attributed medical errors to the inexperience of healthcare providers, while 78% highlighted the reduced healthcare provider-to-patient ratio as a key contributor to medical errors. Additionally, 67% of respondents agreed that negligence by healthcare providers was a major cause of medical errors. The findings suggest that the most significant factor contributing to medical errors at ESUTTH is the inadequate healthcare provider-to-patient ratio, which increases workload, leading to fatigue and burnout among healthcare workers. The study underscores the importance of addressing this issue through improved workforce management, including government intervention and policies aimed at reducing the emigration of qualified healthcare professionals. A National Policy on Healthcare Workforce, if effectively implemented, may help mitigate the impact of medical errors and improve patient safety in Nigeria.