The Situation of Doctor-Patient Rights in Hungary: Problems Awaiting Resolution

The legal issues between doctors and patients are constantly present during healthcare delivery; however, the views of patients and doctors often differ. The communication gap and lack of legal knowledge can lead to numerous problems for both parties. A joint study by Szinapszis Ltd. and a health portal highlighted the importance of information and proper enlightenment among professionals and the public. The aim of the research was to explore how aware doctors and patients are of their legal rights and obligations, and how they perceive each other in this regard.

According to the results, a significant portion of Hungarian doctors feel overwhelmed and frequently encounter legal issues in their daily work. Statistics show that the medical profession often presents not only intellectual but also physical challenges, as one in ten doctors has been subjected to some form of abuse during their work.

Occurrence of Legal Issues Between Doctors and Patients

92% of the doctors surveyed in the study have encountered legal issues in their daily work. Among them, 12% experience such issues daily, 17% several times a week, and 21% monthly. Interestingly, younger doctors are more likely to face legal questions, and they are also more affected by physical abuse.

While most doctors are aware of the legal situation, 16% feel that the profession is not prepared to handle legal issues, while 45% do not consider their colleagues to be adequately prepared. However, the public’s opinion is more positive: over 70% believe that doctors possess the necessary knowledge to handle contentious situations.

When examining the legal exposure of different medical specialties, surgery and gynecology emerge as highlighted areas, according to both professionals and laypersons. Among the public, internal medicine also has significant legal exposure, which is only minimally acknowledged by the profession.

Right to Healthcare

According to Hungarian legislation, every patient has the right to care tailored to their health condition, as well as to pain relief and alleviation of their suffering. The public’s opinion on this matter is more favorable, with over 70% of respondents believing that doctors are well-trained to handle contentious situations.

In terms of legal knowledge, it is observed that the more frequently a doctor encounters legal issues, the more prepared they feel to handle unexpected situations. Among the legal exposures of medical specialties, surgery and gynecology stand out, where both the profession and the public’s opinions align. However, many doctors believe that the alignment between legal frameworks and everyday medical practice is inadequate, as only 9% feel that the legislation is fully compatible with practice.

Occurrence of Physical Abuse

12% of the doctors surveyed have experienced physical abuse from their patients, while 20% have heard of such incidents in their immediate environment. Specialists are particularly frequently attacked, as they are twice as exposed to physical violence. The patient demographic also plays a key role, as doctors working with patients of lower educational qualifications and difficult social situations are more frequently confronted with legal issues and physical assaults.

The research also showed that the occurrence of abuse decreases with the age of doctors. While 80% of the oldest doctors have not experienced such incidents, this figure is only 50% among younger generations. The underlying causes of this phenomenon are rooted in social and economic conditions, which also influence patient behavior.

Legal Proceedings Between Doctors and Patients

In the survey, 32% of doctors have participated in legal proceedings, while 40% have experienced threats, but no actual reports were made. Among dissatisfied patients, however, taking actual legal steps is rare, as 90% of respondents felt that although they had reasons for complaints, they did not take action. The main reasons mentioned include the lengthy process, the costs involved, and a lack of information.

Szinapszis’s research also indicated that most patients criticize not the quality of medical care but the attitude of doctors. The most common reason cited is inadequate communication, which is present in both parties. The failure to conduct requested examinations is also a frequently mentioned complaint by many doctors, while laypersons more often highlight the lack of nursing care.

Differences in Opinions Between Doctors and Patients

The research revealed significant discrepancies between the opinions of patients and doctors. 86% of doctors believe that the legal environment creates a vulnerable situation for them, while only 35% of laypersons share this view. The fear of legal consequences also affects professional work differently: while 69% of doctors feel this way, only 38% of the public encounters this issue.

The profession feels that courts are biased against doctors, while patients believe that medical errors should be treated as taboos within the profession. Both doctors and patients agree that the role of legal issues in healthcare will be reassessed in the future and that the communication of medical errors is far from satisfactory in Hungary.

The Role of Information and Future Opportunities

Education plays a crucial role in the dissemination of legal knowledge between doctors and patients. It is essential for future generations to receive adequate training in medical communication and the handling of legal issues. The public demands proper information and knowledge of legal rights, while the profession expects more active advocacy.

According to the research, both doctors and patients are open to discussions about legal issues between them, and most seek information online. The government and health advocacy organizations should take a prominent role in providing information, while the educational role of doctors and patient organizations is also crucial.

The study was conducted with the participation of 596 doctors and 889 laypersons through an online questionnaire. The demographic composition of the respondents was diverse, and the research sample is sufficient to provide a general picture of the legal attitudes and opinions between doctors and patients.