iatrogenesis

noun

iat·​ro·​gen·​e·​sis (ˌ)ī-ˌa-trō-ˈje-nə-səs 

: the unintentional causation of an unfavorable health condition (such as disease, injury, infection, or an adverse drug reaction) during the process of providing medical care (such as surgery, drug treatment, hospitalization, or diagnostic testing)

In some instances, iatrogenesis resulting from polypharmacy can be managed by clinician-patient discussion …

—Brandon May

The first principle of healing is to avoid iatrogenesis. But what helps one patient may harm another—most treatments we apply present potential hazard.

—Jon Marini

Word History

Etymology

Greek iātro-, combining form of iātrós "physician, healer" + genesis, after iatrogenic

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

iatrogenesis

noun

iat·​ro·​gen·​e·​sis -ˈjen-ə-səs 

plural iatrogeneses -ˌsēz 

: the unintentional causation of an unfavorable health condition (such as disease, injury, infection, or adverse drug reaction) during the process of providing medical care (such as surgery, drug treatment, hospitalization, or diagnostic testing)

These patients were considered to be at increased risk of iatrogenesis due to drug interactions, polypharmacy, and dose-related adverse effects from the high number of medications that had been prescribed for them.

—Patricia A. Keys et al., American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education

The first principle of healing is to avoid iatrogenesis. But what helps one patient may harm another—most treatments we apply present potential hazard.

—Jon Marini, FOCUS: Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine

… subcutaneous infusion is associated with improved quality of life and a reduced risk of iatrogenesis resulting from the ability to receive therapy at home …

—Drugs & Aging