Awareness of 3rd Semester MBBS Students Regarding the Medico-Legal Issues in Our Society and the Need for Training in Forensic Medicine- A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND The instructional programmes in medical education field are aimed at developing a competent medical officer. However, the current student community gives importance only to cognitive domain, which is essential to get through postgraduate entrance tests. A medical graduate should have sufficient knowledge about medico-legal cases and his role as a responsible learned citizen in assisting the administration of law and justice in the country. Aim: This project is an effort to get an overall picture of fresh learners before implementing a teaching programme. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study, was conducted from November 2017 to 30 th January 2018 among 3 rd semester MBBS students. Study consisted of 2 sets of questionnaires: An open ended and a closed ended. The data collected was analysed statistically. RESULTS A total of 71 students participated in open-ended questionnaire and 63 students participated in closed-ended questionnaire. Study showed that although more than half (54%) were aware of medico-legal issues, many of them were not clear about everyday essential issues that affect medical profession. The students were aware of obvious legal issues such as assault (83%) and suicide (76%), but were not aware (scored 2 or below) of less obvious issues such as food poisoning (50%), drunkenness (75%), sexual offense (71%) and accidental injury at home (91.5%) or at school (86%). CONCLUSION It was found that many students lack awareness about many day-today medico-legal issues. So, it would be wise to develop adequate knowledge and skill on the above at undergraduate level medical students by structured and integrated teaching programs in this regard to preserve and promote the dignity and honour of this noble profession.

Evaluating Medical Students' Knowledge of Medical Malpractice: A Pilot Study

“…25 The last study tested medical malpracticerelated scenarios in 63 3 rd semester MBBS students at Believers' Church Medical College Hospital and found that only 54% could correctly identify the tested medico-legal concepts. 26 Prior surveys found that medical students are both very concerned about medical malpractice lawsuits in their careers, and that they are not knowledgeable. 5 Our study provides more information regarding specific medical student gaps in medico-legal knowledge and underscores the students' concerns.…”