Abstract
Background: More doctors are practising defensive medicine, which may have an impact on patient care. This paper explores the consequences and reasons, for the widespread trend, and recommendations for patient-focused clinical care.
 Objective: A malpractice suit is the most scarring ordeal that a physician can undergo emotionally and financially. Excessive investigations may be counterproductive. Avoiding certain procedures or patients, for the fear of adverse outcome can be hazardous. There is a need for a better, discerning and judicious system, to minimise the trauma to the largely conscientious and dedicated medical professionals.
 Discussion
 How and when the term defensive medicine started, is difficult to trace. However, over the past few decades, it seems to be a well-known practice in industrialised countries. It may have been due to increasing complaints against doctors heralding potential litigation and malpractice suit. Most doctors do not take the privilege of the trust of their patients lightly and respond to it with utmost sincerity.
Highlights
More doctors are practicing defensive medicine, which may have impact on patient care
To ensure that all the doctors remain on the path of near perfection of their role, a regulatory body is essential, to oversee and objectively evaluate the services we provide, and its outcome
Concern for potential litigation may be the common reason for professional dissatisfaction amongst doctors
Summary
Malpractice suit is the most scarring ordeal, which a physician can undergo both emotionally and financially. Avoiding certain procedures or patients, for the fear of adverse outcome can be hazardous. There is a need for a better, discerning and judicious system, to minimise the trauma to the largely conscientious and dedicated medical profession
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have