A Study of Physicians’ Knowledge Concerning the Legal Aspects of Medical/Surgical Profession at Medical and Surgical Departments in Alexandria Main University Hospital [AMUH

Abstract

Objective: To investigate physicians’ knowledge about the legal aspects of medical/surgical profession. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at internal medicine and surgical departments at AMUH in the period from 16/3/2004 to 30/4/2004. Data was collected through a specifically designed self-administered questionnaire handed-out to 506 personnel comprising all physicians, including house-officers, presently working in study departments. Data collection tool was composed of three sections, first section included seven items covering physicians’ personal and professional attributes; second section, comprised a forty-three-item scale measuring physicians’ knowledge about legal aspects of their profession; and a third five-item section covering other inquiry points. One hundred and sixty six physicians responded. Results: 65.7% of physicians had a poor overall knowledge level and 98.2% had no previous training pertaining to legal aspects of medical/surgical profession. Approximately [four-fifths] 81.9% were dissatisfied with their level of knowledge about legal aspects of medicine, yet, 86.1% were interested to be trained. About one-third [34%] of licensed physicians had been involved in legal difficulties related to the practice of medicine and surgery. It was demonstrated that residents, assistant lecturers and lecturers were the category most liable to have legal difficulties due to the practice of medicine and surgery. It was concluded that medicine and law meet in some very important ways, together, these two domains of knowledge tackle such subjects as professional confidentiality, sanctity of the dead, euthanasia, informed consent, torts, and definition of death to name a few. Through healthcare is a high-risk industry, this study revealed that physicians at AMUH, had an overall poor level of knowledge regarding the legal aspects of medical/surgical responsibilities; however, the majority was dissatisfied with this lack of knowledge and interested in having training programs specifically designed to cover the legal aspects of medical/surgical practice. It was recommended that physicians and students should be made more familiar with the theories and procedures involved in medical malpractice through specifically designed educational problems formulated to continuously make physicians adequately knowledgeable about sources of torts and malpractice risks according to Egyptian Law. Risk management was presented as a preventive strategy to protect customer, provider, and institution against malpractice and litigation. Embracing clinical expectations [guidelines] within the context of QI was also advised.