iatrogeenisestä

Iatrogenic refers to a condition that arises as an unintended result of medical treatment. This can encompass a wide range of adverse events, including those caused by diagnostic procedures, surgical interventions, medications, or even the healthcare environment itself. The term originates from the Greek words iatros (physician) and genesis (origin).

Iatrogenic conditions are not necessarily due to negligence or error. While medical mistakes can certainly lead to iatrogenic harm, many such conditions occur despite the best practices and careful administration of care. For example, a patient might experience an allergic reaction to a prescribed medication, which, while unfortunate, is not necessarily a sign of faulty prescribing. Similarly, complications can arise during surgery even when the procedure is performed expertly.

The spectrum of iatrogenic harm is broad. It can range from minor side effects of medication to severe, life-threatening complications, or the development of new diseases. Examples include hospital-acquired infections, adverse drug reactions, surgical site infections, and complications from medical devices. Understanding and minimizing the risk of iatrogenic events is a continuous focus in healthcare quality improvement and patient safety initiatives. Prevention strategies often involve thorough patient assessment, careful monitoring, adherence to protocols, and open communication between healthcare providers and patients.