Experience of obstetricians and gynecologists in the management of medicolegal cases in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) is concerned with both fetal and maternal wellbeing with doubled professional responsibilities. Also, OB/GYN specialists are engaged in management of medicolegal cases (MLC). This study had an in-depth look at handling of MLC by obstetricians and gynecologists in Egypt. Also, influence of religious and cultural norms on OB/GYN practice was investigated. Methods: A questionnaire was formulated in compliance with literature and modulated according to religious and cultural background. Results: Responses were received from practitioners in 19 governorates. 28% of respondents were accused of malpractice. 87.3% of participants denoted increasing rate of litigations over last years. The commonest mentioned error is intra-operative problems (60%), whereas the commonest harm is neonatal deaths (46.7%). The mean participants' awareness score regarding elements of malpractice was 1.49 ± 0.76 (maximum possible score is 4). 18.7% of respondents managed cases of sexual assaults and premarital sexual relations. Hymen repair is not justified by 53.3% of participants. Termination of pregnancy before 16 weeks without medical indication is unaccepted by 96.7% of participants. The mean participants' awareness score regarding precautions of therapeutic abortion was 3.34 ± 1.63 (maximum possible score is 5). Conclusions: OB/GYN specialists are at high risk of accusation with inadequate measures to guard against malpractice claims in Egypt. High controversy among respondents regarding management of cases with premarital sexual acts and termination of pregnancy was elucidated.