Awareness of common medico legal issues – a study among practicing doctors

A survey was undertaken to assess the awareness of practicing doctors regarding the common medicolegal issues faced during clinical practice. Fifty doctors were included in the study which was conducted by using a pretest questionnaire method, combined with a short interview. The questionnaire contained 10 questions related to consent, wound certification, poisoning cases, dead cases, dying declaration & Professional Secrecy.

1. To analyse the awareness & knowledge of doctors about common medicolegal issues. 2. To find out whether there is any correlation between the level of awareness with their age, qualification and clinical experience.

Questions on “consent in Emergencies” obtained 98% correct responses, questions regarding “recording of dying declaration” had 96% correct response and for question in “ideal time for taking consent for surgical procedures” 90% correctly responded. The score was low for question on “minimum age for consent for physical examination” (24%) and question as “divulging details of the patient” (36%). Statistically significant difference was noted in answering questions on “minimum age for consent for physical examination” between age groups more than 45 years and less than 45 years (P = 0.019) and between graduates and postgraduates (P = 0.003). Those in less than 45 years group and graduates were more successful. Doctors with more than 10 years of clinical experience were more successful in answering questions on “issuing death certificates” (70%) and “how to deal with dead cases” (85%). It was only 40% and 56% respectively for those with less than 10 years clinical experience (P = 0.0375, P = 0.0353 respectively).