Defensive medicine practice in different specialties among junior physicians in kasralainy hospitals, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Defensive medicine has great impact on medical practice and population health. It may provide enhanced quality of services with good explanations to patients resulting in increased satisfaction. On the other hand, it might include unnecessary investigations, prescription of unnecessary treatments which may be expensive or dangerous for patients. Aim of Work: This study aims to evaluate awareness and practice of defensive medicine among junior doctors in Cairo University Hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study includes 261 junior physicians by interviewing them using a structured questionnaire. Results: Defensive medicine practice is highly affected by sociodemographic characteristics of study population. Almost half the female doctors are always giving extra details about the medication use (56%) P < 0.001. Around 90% of both specialties have not been involved in medical litigation. Conclusions: Defensive medicine is highly prevalent among junior physicians. Following clinical standards and fear of legal actions by patients are considered main causes of practice of defensive medicine.

Keywords

• defensive medicine
• medical liability
• medical litigations