Study On Awareness Of Medical Negligence Among Medical Students

Abstract

Background:  Medical negligence litigation is increasing in India, reflecting evolving patient awareness and legal accountability in healthcare. Adequate understanding of medicolegal principles among medical students is essential, as they represent future practitioners responsible for maintaining standards of care. Objective:  To assess the awareness and understanding of medical negligence and related medicolegal concepts among undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods:  A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 183 medical students. A validated structured questionnaire comprising 12 dichotomous (Yes/No) items assessed awareness of medical negligence, common clinical scenarios, preventive strategies, and specific legal concepts including the Bolam test and crosspathy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results:  Overall awareness of medical negligence was observed in 61.2% of participants. Understanding of common examples was noted in 69.3%, while 68.3% demonstrated knowledge of preventive strategies. Awareness of the Bolam test was comparatively low (40.2%), whereas awareness of crosspathy was higher (67.8%). Significant gaps were identified in conceptual clarity regarding standard of care, informed consent, and liability without harm. Conclusion:  Although a moderate level of awareness exists among medical students, critical deficiencies persist in core medicolegal concepts. Integration of structured medicolegal education into undergraduate curricula is essential to enhance competency, reduce litigation risk, and improve patient safety.