The practice of defensive medicine among Italian physicians: a cross sectional study in Rome

Abstract Background To identify the perception and the reason of defensive medicine among Italian physicians, and identify the socio-demographic and work-related determinants of the increased practice of defensive medicine. Methods This study is a cross sectional web survey. A questionnaire was sent by e-mail to all the physicians registered to the Order of Physicians and Dentists of the Province of Rome. The collection period was from mar 2024 to may 2024. Descriptive analysis and multivariable linear regression models were conducted to describe differences between groups and to estimate the relationships between variables. Results A total of 291 physicians completed the survey and were included in this analysis. Almost 60% of respondents feel under pressure due to the possibility of legal disputes. 73,8% adopted defensive medicine behaviours during the last year. More than 80% are aware that defensive medicine represents a limitation for their profession and a unfavourable factor for patients. Who answered that they practice defensive medicine think that it is a factor limiting their professional activity (OR: 2.3) and an unfavourable factor for the patient’s health (OR: 1.1). Conclusions Defensive medicine is an important factor in health care costs without increasing the benefits to the patient. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the perception of defensive medicine among physicians. Defensive medicine practice is common among physicians with concerns about increasing pattern in the future. Key messages • Our study highlights physicians’ awareness of adopting defensive medicine behaviors in their clinical practice. • The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the perception of defensive medicine among physicians.