The Impact on Healthcare Workers of Italian Law n. 24/2017 “Gelli–Bianco” on Patient Safety and Medical Liability: A National Survey

Abstract

Italian “Gelli–Bianco” law (law n. 24 enacted by the Italian Government on 8 March 2017) introduced innovative changes and regulations regarding patient safety and healthcare workers’ (HCWs) liability. We promoted a national survey to evaluate the effect of the law on HCWs. The questionnaire was edited and distributed using the free online tool “Google Forms” (Google LLC). The mode of administration chosen for the questionnaire was telematic self-completion. In particular, the questionnaire was sent to several portals of information, websites, in the scientific and medical sectors. Four hundred forty-five subjects participated in the survey. The differences in categorical variables for Gelli–Bianco Law reading with professional variables were analyzed in a univariate analysis using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Reading the law is significantly and positively related to knowledge and communication of adverse events and sentinel events, checklist adoption, and participation in educational activities on risk management. The law’s implementation and promotion is a reliable educational tool for increasing patient safety culture and involving HCWs in risk management activities. Knowledge of the law, related education, and understanding of its application are still inadequate; therefore, educational programs regarding patient safety, risk management, and the contents of the law itself must be vigorously promoted to achieve clinical governance goals.