Legal Accountability and ethics in Dermatology: An Indian Perspective based on Metropolitan Cities in Maharashtra

The evolving landscape of dermatological practice in India presents unique challenges in legal accountability and ethical considerations, particularly in metropolitan areas. Objectives - To assess legal awareness, ethical practices, and challenges faced by dermatologists in Maharashtra's metropolitan cities, while evaluating correlations between practice experience and medicolegal comprehension. Methods - A cross-sectional study involving 150 dermatologists was conducted using a structured 30-item questionnaire across four domains. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses. Results - With an 82% response rate (n=123), the study revealed significant correlations between years of practice and legal awareness (r=0.68, p<0.001). 72.3% maintained complete medical records, while 85.4% obtained informed consent. Major challenges included documentation burden (78%) and managing patient expectations (65%). Conclusion - The study identifies critical gaps in legal and ethical awareness, suggesting the need for structured training programs and standardized protocols in dermatological practice.