Analyzing the results, Isbell and co-workers found that the mean Likert score was higher for fear of harm to patients (4.40) than for fear of lawsuits due to malpractice or negligence (3.40). discovered.
This was true regardless of clinician subtype, years of experience, and female versus male.
The authors note the relevance of these findings to the discussion of protective medicine.
Additionally, the team found no difference in mean fear scores before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (3.41 vs 3.38, respectively).
Isbell and co-authors cite previous research that identified fear of lawsuits as a major factor behind the over-ordering of diagnostic tests, including imaging tests.
Although the current study did not reveal a link between fear of harm and possible overuse of testing, “Fear of harm is considered alongside fear of lawsuits in medical decision-making.” It suggests that it should and may be more important than the fear of lawsuits.”
The authors acknowledge study design limitations, including study samples from a single state.
“Additional research is needed to elucidate the role of fear of harm compared to fear of lawsuits in clinician decision-making,” they wrote.
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