Rahime BIÇAKÇIGİL ÖZSOY, Gürkan SERT
Health Sciences Quarterly - 2026;6(3):689-698
Fear of malpractice has become a major source of anxiety for physicians globally. Such anxiety drives physicians toward the practice of defensive medicine, which in turn gives rise to a range of challenges within healthcare systems. The consequences of these problems often result in unfavorable and inappropriate outcomes from both the physician's and the patient's perspectives. In order to reduce the prevalence of defensive medicine, there is a pressing need for the development and implementation of new strategies. Above all, the legal challenges stemming from malpractice must be addressed through the introduction of new systemic solutions. This study offers recommendations aimed at reducing the negative consequences encountered in professional life as a result of malpractice-related anxiety and defensive medical practices, including both legal and professional risks.
