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Defensive Medicine among Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Tertiary Hospitals

Author

Listed:
  • Elad Asher
  • Shay Dvir
  • Daniel S Seidman
  • Sari Greenberg-Dotan
  • Alon Kedem
  • Boaz Sheizaf
  • Haim Reuveni

Abstract

Objective: To describe the daily work practice under the threat of defensive medicine among obstetricians and gynecologists. Study Design: A prospective cross-sectional survey of obstetricians and gynecologists working at tertiary medical centers in Israel. Results: Among the 117 obstetricians and gynecologists who participated in the survey, representing 10% of the obstetricians and gynecologists registered by the Israel Medical Association, 113 (97%) felt that their daily work practice is influenced by concern about being sued for medical negligence and not only by genuine medical considerations. As a result, 102 (87%) physicians are more likely to offer the cesarean section option, even in the absence of a clear medical indication, 70 (60%) follow court rulings concerning medical practices, and 85 (73%) physicians mentioned that discussions about medical negligence court rulings are included in their departments' meetings. Conclusions: Defensive medicine is a well-embedded phenomenon affecting the medical decision process of obstetricians and gynecologists.

Suggested Citation

  • Elad Asher & Shay Dvir & Daniel S Seidman & Sari Greenberg-Dotan & Alon Kedem & Boaz Sheizaf & Haim Reuveni, 2013. "Defensive Medicine among Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Tertiary Hospitals," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(3), pages 1-5, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0057108
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel P. Kessler & Mark McClellan, 1996. "Do Doctors Practice Defensive Medicine?," NBER Working Papers 5466, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Daniel Kessler & Mark McClellan, 1996. "Do Doctors Practice Defensive Medicine?," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 111(2), pages 353-390.
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    1. Ihsan Solaroglu & Yusuf Izci & H Gokce Yeter & M Mert Metin & G Evren Keles, 2014. "Health Transformation Project and Defensive Medicine Practice among Neurosurgeons in Turkey," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(10), pages 1-7, October.
    2. Nasim Eshraghi & Marjan Ghaemi & Zahra Shabannejad & Elham Bazmi & Mehdi Foroozesh & Mohammad Haddadi & Sepideh Azizi & Zeinab Mansouri & Sedigheh Hantoushzadeh, 2024. "Analysis of medico-legal claims related to deliveries: Caesarean section vs. vaginal delivery," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(11), pages 1-11, November.

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