Social recognition of medical accident

There has been a great deal of concern about medical malpractice in Korea. Exact figures are difficult to determine, but medical accidents or disputes have increased since the late 1980's. Since 1988, there have been various legislative attempts to pass the 'Medical Dispute Adjustment Act', a kind of alternative dispute resolution. Finally, in March 2011, the mediation law was enacted. The purpose of this law is to create a rapid, efficient recovery system for patients, and to provide a safe, stable environment for medical personnel. Even though medical accidents are inevitable, like other accidents, of course neither doctors nor patients wish for them to occur. However, the medical system lacks an alternative solution for promoting a rational process for communication about medical accidents. As a result, violence against doctors and occupation of medical institutions are more common than they could be. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has alleviated the burden of proof in medical disputes by applying the theory of prima facie evidence to protect the rights of patients. Though the Supreme Court's position is reasonable in terms of patient care, these cases could lead to 'defensive medicine'. This phrase refers to treatments motivated more by the reduction of liability than by medical needs. This means an increase in health care costs. Above all, civil litigation requires a great deal of time for both parties. Consequently, if medical accidents are inevitable, medical personnel should respond proactively to accidents rather than concealing them. The social recognition of medical malpractice must change in order to create an effective adjustment system and prevent as many medical accidents as possible.

The Significance and Development of the Medical Ethics Committee / 中国医学伦理学

Two famous historical events which lead to the establishment of the medical ethics committee are presented in this article. We discuss the significance of the medical ethics committee and put forward 5 propositions to enhance the developing of the committee. Firstly, overcome the scruple and accelerate the construction of the medical ethics committee. Secondly, seek for the ethics spirit from the traditional culture, and establish the principles and the conception correspondingly. Thirdly, be creative and try to adapt to the promotion of medicine and society. Fourthly, strengthen the training of bioethics. Finally, promote the communication between ethics review committees.