@article{ref1,
title="Medical malpractice litigation related to choking accidents in older people in Japan",
journal="Gerodontology",
year="2020",
author="Hamasaki, Tomoko and Hagihara, Akihito",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To analyse malpractice litigation cases in Japan and identify the factors related to choking accidents in older people.   BACKGROUND: Choking while eating is common in older people and has potentially severe consequences.   METHODS: This study analysed court decisions related to choking accidents occurring in Japan between 2000 and 2015 that involved the death of an older person or permanent severe choking-related injury. A database of court decisions (n = 23) was constructed according to patient and caregiver characteristics, and nursing services. An analysis was performed on caregiver liability, and to identify factors related to choking accidents.   RESULTS: The court ruled that the caregiver was liable in 10 of the 23 cases. Liability was related to appropriate food choices, failure to monitor of eating or the non-performance of resuscitation after an accident. Prior knowledge of aspiration (P < .001), inappropriate assistance during the meal (P < .001), and inappropriate emergency treatment (P = .028) were more likely to be present in cases in which caregivers were judged liable than in those in which they were not.   CONCLUSIONS: Lack of appropriate assistance during the meal was the factor most strongly associated with a court ruling of caregiver liability for choking accidents in older people.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0734-0664",
doi="10.1111/ger.12506",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ger.12506"
}