Study of medicolegal awareness and problems of practicing obstetricians and gynecologists

Abstract

Introduction: In the Present study, it has been tried to assess the awareness regarding medico-legal issues those arising during medical procedure among obstetricians and gynecologists in Rajkot city of Gujarat. The present study will help to know the areas of weakness and will suggest necessary remedial measures in this regards. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted at P. D. U. Government Medical College and Hospital. Study sample included Government and Private Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Rajkot city. Total 80 opinions were collected personally from Obstetricians & Gynecologists. Specially prepared standard questionnaire was given to them and their response was collected. The questions in questionnaire were related to promptness & procedural awareness in sexual offence cases, awareness of laws, insight about causes of negligence and awareness regarding various medicolegal issues. Collected responses were statistically analyzed using Microsoft excel. Results and Conclusions: Government hospital doctors are more aware about the medico-legal issues arising during medical practice than the private hospital doctors. Among them, male doctors are more aware than the female doctors. Male doctors are more experienced than female doctors in handling of MLC cases. Government hospital doctors are more aware about the PCPNDT act and other laws related to practice. Promptness of examination of sexual assault victim as well as knowledge of collection and preservation of evidence in such cases was observed more in government doctors than the private doctors. 32.50% practitioners know that they have to attend the MLC's as per merit of the case and 16.25% do not know about it. It was quite clear in this study that 47.50% practitioners have the insight of real causes of negligence and litigations, 16.25% are confuse, while 27.5% are not aware of the same.