iatrogeenistä

Iatrogenic refers to effects or consequences that are caused inadvertently as a result of medical treatment or intervention. The term originates from the Greek roots iatro- meaning “physician” and -genic meaning “produced by.” It is used broadly in health care, pharmacology, surgery, and public health to describe adverse outcomes that arise from therapeutic processes rather than the underlying disease.

Typical examples of iatrogenic events include medication errors such as incorrect drug dosage, adverse drug reactions induced by drug interactions, and complications from surgical procedures like infection, nerve damage, or unintended organ injury. Psychological iatrogenesis can occur when repeated diagnostic tests or invasive investigations cause unnecessary anxiety or harm to patients. Public health iatrogenesis may arise when vaccination campaigns produce rare but severe side effects that affect public trust.

Risk factors for iatrogenic harm comprise complex patient conditions, polypharmacy, high workloads, and information gaps among health personnel. Many incidents result from communication failures or inadequate systems for monitoring adverse events. To mitigate iatrogenic risk, health care systems increasingly employ electronic health records, clinical decision support, checklists, and mandatory reporting of adverse events. Continuous training for clinicians, patient education, and multidisciplinary teamwork also reduce the likelihood of harmful outcomes.

Regulators and professional societies monitor iatrogenic events through surveillance databases and adverse event reporting systems. Reporting transparency, root‑cause analysis, and evidence‑based protocols aim to limit iatrogenic harm. While medical advances have reduced mortality rates dramatically, preventing unintended harm remains a core challenge in modern health care delivery.