Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Patients have become more comfortable lodging complaints with professional regulatory bodies over the last several years, likely influenced by the trending nature of patient-centred care and consumerism in healthcare and increased access to information through social media. Aim: To analyse the frequency and nature of reported ethical transgressions and penalties among registered South African healthcare professionals from 2014 to 2023. Setting: The study took place in South Africa. Methods: A list of all sanctioned cases was obtained from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (data were unavailable for 2019). A mixed-methods approach of quantitative and qualitative content analyses was followed. Results: = 507 [50.1%]) of transgressions across all professions. The most common penalty imposed was a fine of R1000 to R10000 (26% of total penalties). Both a fine and a suspension were imposed in 82% of cases. Completion of an ethics-based educational course accounted for only 3%. Conclusion: Fraudulent conduct remains the highest reported ethical transgression among registered healthcare professionals in South Africa. Individualised education that remediates deficiencies in ethical behaviours through analysis and reflection could be beneficial in mitigating ethical misconduct among healthcare professionals. Contribution: This study provides a comparative analysis of ethical transgressions and penalties among healthcare professionals in South Africa. It also offers insights into necessary areas of improvement of education and training and suggests a different approach to disciplinary action.
Source: Health SA Gesondheid
Language: English
Topic: Ethics in medical practice
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $581
OpenAlex ID: W4415063262