A STUDY ON PHYSICIANS’ ATTITUDES DURING THE RESOLUTION PROCESS OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE COMPLAINTS

Authors

  • R. V. VORONEANU-POPA ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași
  • Beatrice-Gabriela IOAN ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22551/1awegv73

Abstract

Complaints filed against physicians represent an increasingly debated issue in both the medical and legal fields. In recent years, there has been a marked rise in the number of complaints submitted against healthcare professionals, which has contributed to a growing interest in the study of this phenomenon. The aim of our research was to explore and understand physicians’ attitudes throughout the process of resolving medical malpractice complaints. Materials and methods: To achieve this objective, we conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. The participants were lawyers with substantial experience in handling medical malpractice cases. Results: A total of 14 lawyers participated in the study. Thematic analysis of the collected data led to the identification of 9 themes and 21 subthemes. This article focuses on the attitudes displayed by physicians during the malpractice complaint resolution process. According to the lawyers interviewed, physicians generally exhibited a negative attitude during procedures related to malpractice claims. This behavior is attributed to several factors, including the absence of a well-structured legal framework and the psychological pressure associated with involvement in judicial proceedings related to professional liability in healthcare. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the need for a mechanism that supports both the patient and the physician, enabling the latter to adopt a more open and constructive approach during professional liability procedures. Such a system could facilitate the resolution of medical malpractice complaints in a manner that minimizes the emotional and professional impact on all parties involved. 

Author Biographies

  • R. V. VORONEANU-POPA, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Faculty of Medicine
    Doctoral School

  • Beatrice-Gabriela IOAN, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (III)

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Additional Files

Published

2025-07-08

Issue

Vol. 129 No. 2 (2025): The Medical-Surgical Journal

Section

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE - LABORATORY

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