An overview occupational encroachment in the health sciences. Based on teachers' perceptions in Mexico

No one should be harmed while receiving health care, yet globally, at least five patients die every minute due to unsafe care. This study addresses the role of occupational encroachment based on the perception of health science faculty and the risk it poses to the population. It combines descriptive analysis with qualitative analysis of interpretative and semantic phenomenological observation. Involving 164 professionals in medicine, orthopaedics, psychology, and physiotherapy, the study argues that there is conscious and unconscious occupational encroachment in the health sciences. The characteristics most related to occupational encroachment were poor professional relationships (108 responses) and acts "outside the law" (84 responses). Professionals identify educational (68), professional (108), and social (60) factors as contributing to this issue. The study highlights that communication, quality training, and respect for the law can help reduce occupational encroachment, emphasizing the importance of ethical training in the health sciences to protect patient safety.