Analysis of the Knowledge and Attitudes of Nurses and Midwives Working in Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics towards Legal Responsibilities in Medical Errors

Abstract

Aim: To determine the knowledge and attitudes of nurses and midwives working in obstetrics clinics regarding legal responsibilities in medical errors. Method: This descriptive study was performed with 42 nurses and 67 midwiwes working in the Obstterics, and Gynecology Clinic of a University Hospital. The data were obtained by using an Individual questionnaire, Information Form of Nurses and Midwives Regarding Legal Liability in Medical Errors and the Scale of Attitudes towards Medical Errors. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between nurses and midwives in terms of medical malpractice (p<0.05). It was determined that there were information deficiency about the differences in the legislation of private and public hospitals on the occupational law regarding medical errors, the liability and penalty in cases of malpractice and the courts where the cases are heard. The average score on the Scale of Attitude Towards Medical Errors was found 3.60+-0.38. Attitudes of nurses and midwives who received legal education related to their profession were found be more positive than those who did not take (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was found that nurses and midwives had favourable attitudes towards medical errors,and their attitudes were positively effected by their medicolegal training they received.

Keywords

• attitudes
• midwife
• nurse
• medical errors
• medical legislation