Analysis of the cases admitted to a regional ethics court of the Chilean medical association

Abstract

The Ethics Committees of medical associations define standards of conduct to avoid improper professional behavior. To identify the areas of professional behavior with most allegations of misconduct. Analysis of all ethical claims received at the Regional Ethics Court of the Chilean Medical Association between 2016 and 2021. Of 323 cases analyzed, 17% of complaints argued a failure in achieving a satisfactory standard of medical care, 15% unprofessional behavior, 14% disruptive interaction among physicians, 12% failure to fulfill therapeutic expectations, 6% poor quality of care, 6% fraud, 6% complains against institutions, 6% sexual misconduct, 6% inappropriate billing, 3% diagnostic errors, 3% inappropriate social behaviors, 1% refusal to provide a sick leave and 1% illegal practice. Only 41.5% of complaints were filed against registered physicians, thus limiting the capabilities of the medical ethical board. The most common complaints observed were professional misconduct and relationship problems between physicians.