Authors

Abdulaziz Althunayan, Mana Almuhaideb, Meshari A. Alzahrani, Raed Almannie

Abstract

Introduction: Malpractice lawsuits are considered a significant problem globally. In Saudi Arabia, the number of lawsuits increased by 242% since 2001. The Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions (LPHP) was introduced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in 2005. The LPHP has some deficiencies in some regulations. These deficiencies are left for interpretation by the judge and the medicolegal committee. An example of such deficiencies is off-label prescriptions regulation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A self-designed questionnaire was sent by email to all medicolegal panels’ physician members. The first part of the survey focused on demographics. The second part focused on members’ observation, opinions, and recommendations concerning LPHP and off-label medications prescription. Most of the respondents agree that implementing LPHP knowledge assessment in training and licensing will decrease the number of litigations. Results: 62 members out of 109 responded to the survey (56.8%). Most of the respondents agree that some physicians are liable only because they lack knowledge of the rules. 58% of the respondents (58.1%) agree that physicians should disclose if the medication is used as off-label. 38.8% of medicolegal panels’ members believe that physicians should be held liable for any adverse event due to off-label medication use. Conclusion: It is clear from the responses that LPHP requires further elaboration. This will most likely improve healthcare for both the patient and the physician. Further objective research in the field of medicolegal litigation in Saudi Arabia is warranted.

Key words

DOI

 10.59988/jfmsl.vol.32issue2.10