Ethics in health care: the practice of defensive medicine

  • Gboyega A Ogunbanjo University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
  • Donna Knapp van Bogaert University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
Keywords: Defensive medicine, clinical practice, medical liability, litigation

Abstract

Defensive medicine is the practice of diagnostic or therapeutic measures that are conducted primarily as a safeguard against possible malpractice liability, rather than to ensure the health of the patient. Defensive medicine, a significant problem, is discussed in this article. First, an overview of the nature of defensive medicine is provided, with a focus on how it damages the doctor-patient relationship. It has been determined that doctors who utilise defensive medicine ultimately exact more harm than good on the practice of medicine. Finally, it is suggested that through ensuring that the doctor-patient relationship is impenetrable, fear of medical litigation will dissipate. The best antidote to malpractice allegations is ethical clinical practice. Core decisions remain bound in dialogue between the doctor and his or her patient. Continuing the tradition of the therapeutic alliance, informed consent and confidentiality in medical practice will diminish threats of medical liability.

Author Biographies

Gboyega A Ogunbanjo, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
FCFP(SA), MFamMed, FWACP(Fam Med), FCPCPZ Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus) Pretoria
Donna Knapp van Bogaert, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
PhD, DPhil Sessional Professor of Ethics Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus) Pretoria
Issue
Vol 56 No 1: January/February 2014
Section
Ethics CPD Supplement
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