Assessing the Medico-legal Knowledge of Health Care Professionals: The Case of Konongo Odumasi Government Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: There is growing public awareness regarding the ethical conduct of medical practitioners. Hence knowledge about medico-legal issues is as important to the practice of medicine as clinical skills. Method: A survey was conducted among some health care professionals at Konongo Odumasi Government Hospital, Ghana. A self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on informed consent, confidentiality and medico-legal issues. Data collected was analysed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 100 health care workers were enrolled on the study representing 100% response rate. The study revealed that 96% had knowledge or were aware of medico-legal issues; and 26% of the respondents indicated that disclosing a patient's medical information to someone else cannot lead to a medico-legal case. About 28% of the health care professionals had inadequate knowledge on physician-assisted suicide. 89% of the respondents indicated that taking precautions is very good as it can prevent a charge of malpractice and 80% of the health care professionals indicated that lacking medico-legal knowledge can affect you in your profession. Conclusion: Knowledge of health care professionals on informed consent, confidentiality and medico-legal issues is high and their perceptions are positive. However, regular training to update their knowledge will be necessary in order to ensure continuous improvement of the quality of health care delivery.