'Defensive medicine among different surgical disciplines: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundThe term defensive medicine refers to medical behaviors that avoid physician liability without providing increased benefits to the patient. High rates of defensive medicine ranging from 54% to 98% have been reported in different countries. AimThis study aimed to evaluate the defensive medicine knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of physicians working in the surgical departments of a Turkish university hospital. MethodsAll 220 physicians working at the Atatürk University Hospital were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Responses from 190 participants were analyzed. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using six demographic questions and the Defensive Medicine Behavior Scale. ResultsThe frequency of application of at least one positive or negative aspect of defensive medicine was 94.2% (n = 179). The highest Defensive Medicine Behavior Scale scores were among participants from the pediatric surgery department (median: 43.0, IQR: 4.0). Factors affecting Defensive Medicine Behavior Scale scores were academic title, specialty, and a history of lawsuits because of malpractice. A history of medical malpractice litigation was encountered among 24.7% of participants (n = 47). ConclusionThis study determined high rates of defensive medicine among physicians. Defensive medicine can harm patients, physicians, and also the healthcare system. Efforts should be made to keep health worker anxiety and risk perception in balance in order to prevent defensive medicine.