Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Defensive medicine is a protection way of the doctors to protect themselves from the possible malpractice liability situations. In our study we aimed to examine reliability and validity of the Turkish version of “The Defensive Medicine Behaviour Scale” what’s prepared by our researchers.

METHODS

The validity and reliability of Turkish version of The Defensive Medicine Behaviour Scale was assessed in a sample of 62 specialist physicians and physician assistants from Obstetrics and Gynecology Training and Research Hospital, İzmir.

RESULTS

Principle component analysis revealed two factors (positive and negative defensive medicine) explaining 48.151% of the total variance. Reliability analysis showed that the Turkish version of DMBS has a high level of internal consis tency

(Cronbach’s alpha=0.853). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for ‘positive defensive medicine’ and ‘negative defensive medicine’ subscales were also high (0.685 and 0.918).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These results suggest that Turkish DMBS is a reliable and valid measurement to aid in screening for defensive medicine.