Understanding Iatrogenic Conditions: Causes, Examples, and Investigation

Iatrogenic refers to a condition or complication that is caused by medical treatment or a healthcare professional's actions. It can also refer to any adverse effect or side effect of a medication or medical procedure that was not intended or expected.

In other words, iatrogenic means "caused by a doctor" or "brought on by medical treatment." This term is often used when a patient experiences harm or injury as a result of receiving medical care, such as from a surgical complication, an adverse reaction to a medication, or a misdiagnosis.

For example, if a patient develops an infection after undergoing a surgical procedure, the infection might be considered iatrogenic if it was caused by a contaminated instrument or an error during the surgery. Similarly, if a patient experiences a severe allergic reaction to a medication that was prescribed to treat a different condition, the reaction would be considered iatrogenic.

It's important to note that not all adverse effects of medical treatment are necessarily iatrogenic. Some may be due to other factors, such as underlying medical conditions or other external factors. However, if a patient experiences harm or injury as a result of receiving medical care, it is important to investigate and determine whether the cause is iatrogenic or not.