Legal considerations on physician liability in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The liability of medical staff for malpractice in the context generated by the Covid-19 pandemic is a topical issue both for those who work in the medical system and for legal practitioners.

Materials and Methods

In order to carry out this observational-prospective study, a questionnaire was drawn up consisting of 10 closed questions with a yes or no answer, which had the role of analyzing the opinion of doctors regarding the incidence of malpractice allegations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results and Discussions

After completing the completion period, the questionnaires were centralized and analyzed statistically. The majority of doctors considered that the emergence of the pandemic favored an increased level of stress and anxiety among the specialized staff working in health facilities, a fact that inevitably led to the appearance of complaints from patients, as a result of various professional errors what were committed and which resulted in the prejudice of their rights, especially the right to health.

 Conclusions

The central conclusion of this study focuses on the future development of a legislation that should enjoy clarity and brevity, being unambiguous and adapted to various unexpected situations, as was the pandemic generated by the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.