iatrogenic

Iatrogenic refers to any adverse condition or complication that is caused by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures. The term derives from the Greek iatros, meaning "physician," and -genic, meaning "produced by."

Most iatrogenic effects are unintended and arise from pharmacologic, surgical, radiologic, or therapeutic interventions. Common categories include adverse drug reactions or interactions, surgical or procedural complications, and injuries related to diagnostic or monitoring procedures (for example, contrast-induced nephropathy or radiation exposure). Anesthesia-related events are also catalogued as iatrogenic. Iatrogenic harm can occur in outpatient, inpatient, and long-term care settings, with higher risk among hospitalized and chronically ill patients.

Examples include adverse drug events, hospital-acquired infections, wrong-site surgery, device- or procedure-related injuries, diagnostic delays, or complications from invasive procedures such as catheterization. In some cases, iatrogenic conditions resemble natural disease progression, making attribution difficult. The term does not imply negligence; iatrogenic harm may occur even with appropriate care.

Prevention emphasizes patient safety and quality improvement: prudent prescribing, minimizing unnecessary procedures, informed consent, clear communication, checklists, sterile technique, infection control, and antibiotic stewardship. Systematic reporting and analysis of adverse events guide practice changes to reduce risk. Although not all iatrogenic outcomes are avoidable, ongoing efforts aim to balance treatment benefits with potential harms.