TOP 20 - Exploring the Impact of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits on Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physicians: A Qualitative Study

Publication Number: 4723.TOP 20

Katherine Donches, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Wayne, PA, United States; Devon Schroeder, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Ashlee Murray, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Haddon Township, NJ, United States

Background: Pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians practice in high-acuity environments that demand rapid decision-making, complex communication with families, and management of ethically challenging situations. These conditions, combined with the heightened risk of malpractice litigation, pose significant threats to physician well-being and clinical integrity. Malpractice litigation has been linked to psychological distress, burnout, and defensive medical practices that elevate healthcare costs and may diminish quality of care. Despite these known impacts, there is limited research examining the specific experiences of PEM physicians involved in malpractice lawsuits and how such experiences shape professional behavior, decision-making, and coping mechanisms.

Objective: This study aims to (1) explore the experiences of pediatric emergency medicine physicians who have participated as defendants in malpractice litigation, (2) assess how litigation influences their clinical practice, emotional well-being, and professional identity, and (3) identify coping strategies and institutional supports that mitigate adverse consequences.

Design/Methods: A qualitative study design employing semi-structured interviews was used to collect narrative data from PEM physicians who have completed residency and fellowship training and have been defendants through at least the deposition stage of malpractice litigation. Interviews were audio-recorded, deidentified, and transcribed verbatim. These transcriptions will undergo qualitative thematic analysis by mid-winter to identify recurrent patterns related to emotional responses, professional adaptations, and perceived institutional support. The findings aim to inform strategies for improving physician well-being and maintaining high-quality pediatric emergency care amid legal challenges.