What does iatrogenic mean?
Iatrogenic refers to conditions or complications that arise as a result of medical intervention, such as surgery, medication, or other treatments. This term is often used to describe illnesses or injuries that are inadvertently caused by doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals. Iatrogenic effects can range from minor side effects to life-threatening conditions. The term is particularly relevant in discussions about patient safety, medical ethics, and healthcare quality improvement. Understanding iatrogenic risks is crucial for healthcare providers to minimize harm and optimize patient outcomes.
adjectiveResulting from the activity of doctors or medical treatment. Often refers to complications or illnesses caused by medical intervention.
- caused by medical treatment or doctors
- induced inadvertently by a physician or surgeon or by medical treatment
"The patient suffered from an iatrogenic infection contracted during her hospital stay."
"The patient's condition worsened due to iatrogenic causes."
"The doctor was sued for iatrogenic damage caused by his surgical procedure."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of iatrogenic
The term 'iatrogenic' originates from the Greek words 'iatros', meaning 'physician' or 'doctor', and 'genikos', meaning 'producing' or 'causing'. It was first used in the 1920s to describe medical conditions caused by doctors or medical treatment.
Usage notes
Formal or technical register; commonly used in medical literature and discussions.