THE ROLE OF MEDICAL-LEGAL ETHICS IN MIDWIFERY PRACTICE- A STUDY CONDUCTED IN PEMATANGSIANTAR CITY OF NORTH SUMATRA- INDONESIA

Abstract

The core of operation of any profession is its ability to have standards and regulations that govern its practice. Ethics is one way in which professionalism can be exercised in a profession especially a medical profession in which errors can lead to disastrous. This study was conducted among the midwives in Indonesia to identify the role of medical legal and ethics in practice of midwifery. Also the level of understanding of legal and malpractice issues was ascertained using questionnaires. Results showed that the level of knowledge of midwives concerning medical legal issues and ethics was poor especially in the rural setting. Therefore, action needs to be taken to increase awareness on malpractice and importance of having medical legal understanding of the practice. Midwives are the main providers of health services to the community in a health facility and thus form a bigger portion of the health workforce. Since the midwives are the cornerstone in the provision of services, they have to operate in a professional way and comply with the rules and regulation given by the medical practice. The midwives and the nurses provide unique services to patients and thus require knowledge and skills to identify complications early and act accordingly. However, their decision making in clinical practice has to abide by the rights and code of conduct aimed at proper ethics in the hospital.