Professional misconduct in obstetrics and gynecology in light of the Supreme Medical Court between 2002–2012

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to present and analyze the verdicts of the Supreme Medical Court concerning professional misconduct among obstetrics and gynecology specialists between 2002-2012. Material and methods: Verdicts of the Supreme Medical Court from 84 cases concerning obstetrics and gynecology specialists, passed between 2002-2012, were analyzed. The following categories were used to classify the types of professional misconduct: decisive error, error in the performance of a medical procedure, organizational error, error of professional judgment, criminal offence, and unethical behavior. Results: The largest group among the accused professionals were doctors working in private offices and on-call doctors in urban and district hospitals. The most frequent type of professional malpractice was decisive error and the most frequent type of case were obstetric labor complications. The analysis also showed a correlation between the type of case and the sentence in the Supreme Medical Court. Conclusions: A respective jurisdiction approach may be observed in the Supreme Medical Court ruling against cases concerning professional misconduct which are also criminal offences (i.e. illegal abortion, working under the influence). The most frequent types of professional misconduct should determine areas for professional training of obstetrics and gynecology specialists.