TO THE PROBLEM OF LEGAL LITERACY OF PRACTICING DOCTORS

The authors address the problem of medico-legal literacy of practicing physicians in this paper. Permanent increase in the number of patients’ complaints related to the healthcare quality and management to various authorities proves the importance of this matter. Aim of this study was to investigate and analyze practicing physicians’ opinion on their own readiness (level of training) for legally sound implementation of current regulatory basis in their daily professional activities. Our respondents were also asked about desirable ways of improving the level of their legal awareness. Material and methods. Аn original paper questionnaire was used to estimate self-confidence in legal awareness related to the physician-patient relationship in 395 doctors practicing in Moscow and Moscow Region. The questionnaire included 15 items with Likert-like 10 point scale each as well as one complementary question regarding optimal ways to improve physician’s legal literacy. This instrument displayed high internal consistency with Cronbach’s ɑ = 0.90. Results. Factor analysis of the results confirmed 3 subscales of the questionnaire: (1) direct work with the patient, (2) protection of patients’ rights within the clinic and (3) communication with external organizations. Statistically significant gender and practice venue related differences in respondents’ self-confidence were shown. Discussion. More than 90% preferred practical training as an optimal way of legal literacy improvement. Conclusions. certain legal issues still remain problematic for respondents’ own interpretation therefore the physicians are ready to enhance their knowledge and skills at the practical training sessions.

legal literacy, medical education, medico-legal competencies, legal knowledge self-assessment