knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Defensive Medicine Among Junior Physicians; A Cross-sectional Study at Zagazig University Hospitals

Elmalt, Gehad Fawzy Mohamed; Aboseoud, Amany; Elsaid, Ahmed Farouk; Hamed, Mona S.

doi:10.21608/zumj.2024.312297.3520

knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Defensive Medicine Among Junior Physicians; A Cross-sectional Study at Zagazig University Hospitals

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Demonstrator of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig university

² Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University

³ Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig university

⁴ Assistant professor of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig university

10.21608/zumj.2024.312297.3520

Abstract

Background Defensive medicine (DM), is a practice where healthcare providers request tests, make procedures, or avoid high-risk patients to protect themselves from potential litigation, has significant implications for healthcare systems globally with serious consequences for patients, and doctors. . We aimed in this research to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice pattern (KAP) of defensive medicine among the junior physicians at Zagazig University Hospitals during the year 2023-2024.

Methods: We performed this cross-sectional research among all (323) junior physicians working at Zagazig University Hospital during the year 2023-2024. Evaluation of KAP about defensive medicine was done by interviewing them using a semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: Only 12.1% have satisfactory knowledge about defensive medicine. The number of physicians perform at least 1 form of defensive medicine was 306 (94.7%) while 17 (5.3%) did not perform any form of defensive medicine. Negative behavior in the form of avoiding high-risk procedures and avoiding high-risk patients was the most common form of practicing DM revealed. The most common reason for practicing DM was “fear of legal claim” followed by “patient pressure and relief of doctor’s anxiety” and “Following clinical standard, ethics. Also, DM practice was found highly affected by the socio-demographic characteristics of studied individuals.

Conclusion: Defensive medicine is highly prevalent among junior physicians. It is crucial to establish a comprehensive national medical liability framework.

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