KNOWLEDGE OF SAUDI MEDICAL LEGISLATION
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Abstract
Objectives: This study examines the Saudi healthcare workforce's medical law knowledge and its determinants. Methods: Seven hundred fifty Saudi medical experts from various specialties and regions participated in this 2020–2021 cross-sectional survey in Riyadh. Consultants, senior registrars, interns, and residents participated. Approximately 97% of healthcare practitioners enrolling in the programme lacked knowledge of medical legislation. Even worse, 1.5% had only a moderate comprehension of medical law. Having a clinical practise for less than 10 years, being from the central region, and being 25–34 enhanced medical legislation understanding (p-value 0.05). Overall, Saudi healthcare providers lack medical law knowledge. Both medical undergraduate and graduate programmes should include professional medico-legal education. Medical professionals must learn the laws governing their sector. Topics covered: healthcare, Saudi Arabia, medical law Vision 2030, a plan to enhance Saudi Arabia's policies, health, society, and economy, prioritises healthcare growth.Saudi Arabia considers healthcare a human right. Saudi Arabia has a strong health system that provides free medical services by adopting a welfare programme and universal health care.3. Medical errors, clinical negligence, and malpractice lawsuits can be reduced by following medical practice standards and comprehending medical law.5As people learn more about health and the law, medical practice lawsuits have increased.6. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health (MOH) appears to be boosting doctors' awareness of medical laws by evaluating and reporting medical blunders.5,7 Medical malpractice cases have increased as Saudi Arabia expands healthcare services.5 Due to public demand and knowledge, medical personnel need medical law education. Medical practice requires thorough understanding of health-related medicolegal legislation as well as fundamental sciences and clinical abilities. These abilities improve health care safety and reduce medical errors.Research on medical practitioners' knowledge of medical law at the local or regional level reveals a dearth of knowledge in the region.9-11 Medical personnel without medical legal expertise risk medical errors, clinical negligence, and patient rights breaches.12This study examines the Saudi healthcare workforce's medical law knowledge and its determinants. Methods: Roughly seven hundred fifty medical professionals representing a wide range of disciplines and geographic areas throughout Saudi Arabia participated in this cross-sectional study that took place in Riyadh in 2020 and 2021. Consultants, senior registrars, interns, and residents were all part of the group. End result: Approximately 97% of the healthcare practitioners who were enrolled in the programme shown a lack of knowledge regarding medical legislation. 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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