Ethical judgement of doctors in Sergipe, Brazil

Abstract A documentary survey (2004-2013) was carried out of data from the Sergipe State Regional Medical Council, aimed at recognizing the profile of offending doctors, identifying the key complainants and their motivations, describing the results, punishments and length of legal proceedings and assessing the relationship between the provision of legal assistance and the success of the case. During the study period 318 disciplinary proceedings were initiated involving 337 doctors. The violations were mainly related to documents, death and doctor-patient relationship. Patients are the main complainants and 29 inquiries involved cases of Professional Ethics. The most common punishment was private notice of a confidential reprimand. There was a relationship between the provision of legal assistance and the success of the case. The profile of the offending doctor was: male, aged about 50 years, with more than 10 years’ experience since graduating, and a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics. Knowledge of this profile of offending doctors allows the possibility of establishing direct preventive measures.