Investigation of the relationships between physicians' fear of malpractis and their intention to quit work: A Study in Kayseri̇ Province

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between fear of malpractice and plans to quit in physicians. The research also aimed to reveal the opinions of physicians about the "Regulation on Procedures and Principles Concerning the Investigation of Healthcare Professionals Due to Their Medical Procedures and Practices and Recourse to the Compensation Paid by the Administration" dated June 15, 2022 and numbered 31867. The population of the research consists of 1300 physicians working in health institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health in Kayseri and the sample consists of 306 physicians. Two scales were used to collect data: "Malpractice Fear Scale" and "Intention to Quit Scale". In the analysis of the research, single sample chi-square test and structural equation modeling were used. As a result of the analysis, it is seen that the majority of physicians are not involved in any malpractice cases, complaints are made due to malpractice, but there are physicians in the immediate vicinity who are involved in malpractice cases, complained about and punished. It was determined that the percentage of training products aimed at malpractice among physicians participating in the research was low (24.5%). Physicians have information about the management dated June 15, 2022, but there are those whose management is inadequate. Physicians' fear of malpractice significantly increases their plans to leave. Increasing the in-service training given to physicians regarding malpractice and ensuring that they allocate more time to their patients by making arrangements in their working conditions will contribute to the physician working more efficiently and with self-confidence, as well as carrying out the diagnosis-treatment process more healthily. It is also recommended that legislative regulations be made to make physicians feel safer about malpractice.