It is estimated that up to thirteen percent of hospital admissions result from the adverse effects of diagnosis or treatment, and that almost seventy percent of iatrogenic complications are preventable. The obligation to 'do no harm' has been central to medical conduct since ancient times, yet iatrogenic illness has now come to be recognized as a significant risk factor in health care delivery. This book integrates history, philosophy, medical ethics and empirical data to examine the concept and phenomenon of medical harm. Issues covered include appropriateness of care, acceptable risk and practitioner accountability, and the book concludes with recommendations for limiting iatrogenic harm. Essential reading for medical ethicists, physicians and those involved in health care policy and administration, this stimulating and highly readable book will be of interest to all providers of health care, and many of their patients.

A broad interdisciplinary analysis of the phenomenon of medically-induced illness and injury.
Reviews
'... a useful exploration of the historical and ethical basis of medical harm ...' The Lancet



Book Information
ISBN 9780521634908
Author Virginia Ashby Sharpe
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 419g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 153mm * 17mm