Title: Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions About Medicolegal Education: A Survey of OB/GYN Residents [17N]
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The practice of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) is inextricably linked to tort liability in the United States (US). Nationally, 40-50% of OB/GYN physicians have altered their practice due to professional liability insurance demands or fear of litigation. Despite the pervasiveness of medicolegal concerns, formal instruction on these topics has not been widely adopted in residency training and many residents may lack pertinent knowledge to prepare them for practice. METHODS: All US OB/GYN residents during the 2017-2018 academic year were invited by email or in person to complete an anonymous survey on their demographics, medicolegal knowledge, medicolegal education within their respective residency programs, and the impact potential litigation has on their practice plans. This study was deemed exempt by the institution's IRB. RESULTS: Of the 5,152 OB/GYN residents invited to complete the survey, 17% (n=865) responded. Of these, 44% (n=378) reported receiving no medicolegal education during residency, 21% (n=181) were unsure, and 34% (n=293) reported receiving some formal education. Sixty-five percent (n=549) reported receiving medicolegal education by "word of mouth" or by "observing colleagues." Sixty percent (n=500) could not identify malpractice as a form of tort liability. In describing their exposure to medicolegal topics, 67% (n=571) did not feel they had adequate exposure and 19% (n=163) were unsure. Ninety-two percent (n=782) of residents reported concerns of being sued and 67% (n=571) believed that formal instruction during residency training may prevent lawsuits. CONCLUSION: OB/GYN residents report inadequate exposure to medicolegal topics and desire more formal instruction during residency.
Publication Year: 2019
Publication Date: 2019-05-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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