Evidence-based evaluation of a medical risk management system and preventative measures in New Zealand

Objective: To provide information for the establishment of a medical risk monitoring and precaution system in China, by reviewing and analyzing the current status of medical risk management system and preventative measures in New Zealand, Methods: We searched EI (1969-2006), SCI and SSCI (1975-2006), EMBASE (1966-2006), SCOPUS (included 100% MEDLINE) (1960-2006), VIP (1989-2006), CNKI (1979-2006) and relevant official and governmental websites. This search was conducted in January 2006 and articles about medical risk management and prevention were collected. Results: We included 10 articles involving medical adverse events, patient safety and medical litigation. New Zealand took many measures in order to prevent medical error and improve medical quality, including strengthening medical practice standards, doctor-patient communication, safety awareness and promoting informationization of hospitals. New Zealand also revised "The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act" and improved medical litigation to form an appropriate law environment. Conclusions: New Zealand has taken many measures and established a medical risk management system to prevent medical risk. Some issues of particular relevance to China include building corresponding medical litigation and relevant laws and regulations.