Legal Training of Surgeons of the Republic of Tatarstan Based on the Experience of Participation in Criminal Proceedings in “Medical” Cases

Relevance In modern realities, medical workers, primarily representatives of surgical specialties, are increasingly faced with the need to have legal literacy, since medical activities associated with surgical practice are associated with high legal risks.

Aim of study Studying the legal training of surgeons in the Republic of Tatarstan based on the experience of participating in criminal proceedings in cases related to improper provision of medical care.

Material and methods During the period from May 15 to May 31, 2021, an anonymous survey of 124 surgeons from various medical organizations of the Republic of Tatarstan was conducted. The questionnaire consisted of 13 multiple-choice questions with an additional field for comments. The participation in the survey was voluntary, and the questions were devoted to the experience of participation in criminal proceedings in “medical” cases and the need for legal training in this matter.

Results Among those surveyed, 51.5% of respondents at least once during the years of their career gave explanations to law enforcement agencies regarding the unfavorable outcome of medical care, and 38.7% were directly involved in a criminal case. According to 52.2% of respondents, the most common reason for complaints to law enforcement agencies is the inadequacy/bad manners of patients. The vast majority of doctors surveyed are guided in their activities by currently existing procedures, orders, standards and clinical recommendations. However, more than 37% of doctors have no idea how to act in the event of a criminal case being initiated due to an unfavorable outcome of medical care, and for 71.0%, medico-legal training is “highly relevant”.

Conclusion The problem of criminal liability for improper provision of medical care for surgeons in the Republic of Tatarstan is extremely relevant. There is an urgent need to develop interdisciplinary formats for interaction between the medical, forensic and legal communities in order to improve the legal literacy of medical workers and reduce criminal risks in surgical practice.

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