KNOWLEDGE OF SAUDI ARABIAN MEDICAL LAW AMONG MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
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Keywords
medical law, healthcare, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Aims: In Saudi Arabia, we want to know how well-versed medical professionals are in the country's medical laws and regulations, and what variables contribute to that knowledge. Methods: In 2020 and 2021, 750 healthcare practitioners from various disciplines and all regions of Saudi Arabia participated in a survey in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for this cross-sectional study. Consultants, senior registrars, interns, and residents were all part of the group. Findings: Nearly all healthcare practitioners (about 97%) exhibited a lack of knowledge on medical law. An even more pitiful 1.5% possessed only a moderate understanding of medical law, let alone an adequate one. Having a clinical practice for less than 10 years, being from the central region, and being in the age range of 25 to 34 were factors linked to increased awareness of medical legislation (p-value 0.05). In sum, healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia have a low level of knowledge of medical law. Both the undergraduate and graduate programmes in medicine should incorporate professional medico-legal education into their curricula. Providers of medical treatment have a responsibility to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations that govern their chosen field.
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References
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