Obstetricians’ Perception of Medico-legal Problems in Al Madinah Al Munawarah Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Obstetrics is a specialty that is widely perceived to be associated with a high risk of litigation. Most of the potential problems in obstetrics usually result from the lack of competence, which may harm pregnant women and their fetus. Obstetrics litigation leads the way in being the most litigation prone medical specialty in Saudi Arabia. In an attempt to improve the defining standards of quality, this study illustrates the medico-legal obstetrics claims in Al Madinah Al Munawarah region –Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the consequences and the psychological morbidity among obstetricians. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Al Madina Al Munawara involving 90 obstetricians regarding their views about obstetrics litigation, using a piloted and well structured questionnaire. Results The response rate was 88.8%. The majority of the surveyed obstetricians were female 62.5%. 38% were below 40 and 39.4% had 21–30 year of experience. Most of the participants agreed that birth asphyxia was the commonest cause of obstetrics litigation 62% and about 53% of were exposed to legal medical organization, while 54% were exposed to Supreme Court, resulting in either financial compensation (59%) or claim dismissal (40%). Most of the participating obstetricians suffered from depression (83%) and 90% of the female participants developed family problems and about 15% of the participants thought of changing their career. Conclusion Attention to safety issues and effective risk management system should help to reduce medico-legal claims in obstetrics.