Defensive Medicine Practices in India

Dear Participants,
Greetings!
The prevalence and impact of Defensive Medicine (DM) are studied globally, whereas in India, this phenomenon is not well understood despite its significance due to the evolving healthcare system, increased litigations, and violence against doctors. This study aims to explore the interplay of DM in Indian healthcare, making it the first of its kind research in India. Doctors practising allopathic medicine across India in various settings and specialities who are willing to give informed consent will be recruited for the study. The questionnaire has been prepared based on the insights from the interviews conducted as part of the study. The self-administered survey will be shared with participants through Cognito Forms.

We invite you to take part in this anonymous Survey. This survey is intended for practicing physicians/surgeons in India.

Please take the time to review this information sheet. Please reach out to the Principal Investigator if you require any additional information regarding this survey.

1. What is this study about?

The widespread issue of Defensive Medicine (DM) affects healthcare globally, significantly increasing costs. For example, it adds about $850 billion to yearly healthcare costs in the U.S., and 83% to 98% of European specialists practice it. However, the prevalence and impact of DM in India are not well understood despite its significance due to the evolving healthcare system, increased legal actions, and violence against doctors. This study aims to explore DM in India by interviewing and surveying doctors nationwide, making it the first research of its kind in India to provide insights into DM and suggest improvements for healthcare.

2. How does the mixed-method study work?

We aim to understand defensive medical practices across India so that we will recruit participants from across India for both qualitative and quantitative studies. Sequential exploratory model, a small qualitative component, followed by the larger quantitative, self-administered survey through cognito forms.

3. What are the potential risks to participants in this study?

No potential risks are envisaged. Participation is voluntary, and confidentiality of information shared will be strictly maintained such that no particular practices will be highlighted or traced back to individuals. This is an anonymous survey, and no risk is envisaged for the participants.

4. What will I get out of the study?

There are no direct benefits to the individual participants as an outcome of participation. However, there is a societal benefit from the findings as we can make recommendations to improve the doctor-patient relationship and decrease defensive practices in India.

5. What happens if I refuse?

There is no obligation to consent to participate in the study.

6. What happens to the results?

The results of this study will be described in a report that may be published as a paper, presented at a conference and or propose recommendations to the stakeholders to make strategic plan to improve the healthcare eco-system in India. At no time will any identifying characteristics of any participants be used, which will ensure privacy and confidentiality of the data shared (as this is an anonymous survey).

Note: This is an anonymous survey, so please feel free to share your opinion/views.

If you agree to take part in the study, you will be required to answer a questionnaire with 28 questions. It will approximately take 10-15 minutes.