2023 Volume 43 Issue 7 Pages 573-578
The Medical Accident Investigation and Support Center（ISC）was established in Japan in 2015 to prevent medical accidents and promote patient safety. When a medical accident occurs, the hospital conducts an in-hospital investigation and submits a report to the ISC. If requested by a medical institution or a bereaved family, the ISC will perform an investigation. As of 2021, the ISC has submitted 94 out of 174 reports（54％）to concerned hospitals and patients’ families.
During an ISC investigation, the hospital concerned is asked to explain and submit documents about the accident. The result of the investigation is then reported to both the hospital and the bereaved family. However, it is important to note that some information analyzed during the ISC investigation may be used for civil procedures, as outlined in the Medical Practitioners’ Act（Article 21）.
It is worth noting that the cause of death cannot be known for a long time in cases where a legal autopsy is required, as an appraisal of a legal autopsy cannot be opened to the public before the opening day of a trial. This can delay the ISC investigation.
In summary, the Medical Accident Investigation and Support Center plays a critical role in preventing medical accidents and promoting patient safety in Japan. However, it is important to know the legal implications of an ISC investigation and the potential delays caused by legal autopsies.
