The Practice of Defensive Medicine by doctors in primary health care in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Journal Title: Saudi Journal of Medicine - Year 2018, Vol 3, Issue 10
Abstract
The practice of defensive medicine (DM) including requesting unnecessary tests, procedures and treatments or avoiding risk taking is increasing worldwide. There is no data from the Arab world and Bahrain. It is vital to identify the drivers behind this growing practice in an attempt to combat it. In our study we aimed to estimate the practice of defensive medicine in primary care in the kingdom of Bahrain and to study the factors associated with it. We conducted a cross-sectional study between the months of March and June 2016 in all governmental health centers in the kingdom of Bahrain. Study participants were all the primary care doctors practicing clinically in those local health centers. A total of 247 physicians out of 285 (86.7%) completed the survey. Nearly all (86.6%) reported practicing defensive medicine. Taking more detailed history note taking (66.4%, 95% CI 60.5 -72.3) and ordering unnecessary tests than indicated 60.0%, 95% CI (54 -66.0) and avoiding risky procedures 59.0% (95% CI 53.0 -65.2), were there most common forms of DM practiced. Patient pressure, relief of anxiety and fear of legal claim, 86.4%, 65.0% and 62.0% respectively were the most common reasons given for the practice of DM. Significantly, physicians with more years of experience were less likely to practice DM and more likely to practice with extra hour of work per week (p< 0.05). We concluded that the practice of Defensive medicine is highly common among practicing primary care physicians in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. Batool Hasan, Dr. Hanan Abdulrahim, Dr. Muna AlMukhtar, Dr. Rahma AlAsfoor, Dr. Mohamed Mandeel
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP481363
- DOI -
- Views 74
- Downloads 0
Late Clinical Observation of Peripheral Facial Palsy Treated with Physical Therapy
Abstract: Unilateral peripheral facial nerve palsy may have a detectable cause (secondary facial nerve palsy) or may be idiopathic (primary) without an obvious cause (Bell’s palsy). Peripheral facial nerve palsy is diagn...
A Study on Current Visual Status among Subjects of Post Cataract Surgery (IOL) in Selected Urban Field Practice Area -Chidambaram, South India
Abstract: Cataract is a highly treatable condition due to advances in cataract surgery, procedures and intraocular lens design. Currently 90% of the cataract surgeries are performed with intraocular lens (IOL). The aim o...
Comparative Effects of Long Term Consumption of Thermo- and Photo- Oxidised Palm Oil Diets on some Reproductive Paramaters in Male Wistar Rats
Abstract:Consumption of thermoxidised and photoxidised palm oil diets is known to be harmful to tissues in the body including the reproductive system. It is not known which of these two forms of the commonly consumed veg...
Emerging Role of microRNAs in Osteosarcoma- A Diagnostic, Prognostic, Therapeutic Prospecutive
Abstract:Osteosarcoma (OS), the most common primary malignant bone tumor in both children and adults, is characterized by the development of bone or osteoid substance by the tumor cells [1]. Despite of Surgical treatment...
Prevalence ofanemia among Schedule Caste Women: A Hospital-Based Study in Eastern Nepal
Abstract:A hospital based study was carried out in eastern Nepal to determine prevalence of anemia in different age group among schedule caste women (20->70) years age Population. Cyanmethemoglobin method was used to det...