Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of physicians in Saudi Arabia regarding medical liability and to evaluate the frequency and nature of self-reported medical errors.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, using data collected via an online self-reported questionnaire, from 330 participants. To assess the differences in mean scores, and identify factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward medical liability in Saudi Arabia, the data were run through univariate and multivariable regression analyses, respectively.
RESULTS: A total of 330 physicians participated. The majority (57.4%) were aged 30-40, and 51% were female. The most common types of self-reported errors were diagnostic (63.4%), communication-related (43.4%), and system-based (34.1%). Medication-related errors included improper dosage (33.1%) and incorrect drug selection (31.8%). Reported consequences included financial damages (31.7%) and mild to moderate physical harm (26.6%); 7.8% of participants had encountered patient death due to error. While 86.2% understood that applying standard of care reduces liability, 62.1% incorrectly assumed that informed consent alone shields from lawsuits. A high proportion (89.1%) supported mandatory liability insurance. Only 14% had experienced malpractice claims; in 76.2% of those cases, liability was not proven.
CONCLUSIONS: Saudi physicians demonstrate moderate awareness and favorable attitudes regarding medical liability, yet misconceptions about legal protections persist. Diagnostic and communication errors are the most frequent issues reported. Findings suggest the need for formal legal education, institutional reporting mechanisms, and mandatory liability insurance to strengthen clinical governance and minimize litigation.