Clinical and legal analyzes of adverse cases in medical care on criminal cases: an innovative educational activity

Background: Currently, the Russian Federation is facing an especially acute problem of medical personal undergoing criminal liability (CL) owing to inappropriate medical care. Aim: The goal is to analyze the level of legal training among the Kazan State Medical University (KSMU) students in matters of possible CL resulting from medical malpractice. Material and methods: From January 1, 2018, to March 30, 2018, we surveyed 426 students of KSMU. The survey questionnaire included questions on Russian legislation, the materials of forensic medicine, open investigative, and forensic practice. In total, 122 first-year (28.6%), 51 second-year (12%), 63 third-year (14.8%), 58 fourth-year (13.6%), 68 fifth-year (16%), and 64 sixth-year students (15%) were questioned. Results: Overall, 272 respondents (64%) considered that there should be no CL for medical personnel. In addition, 392 (92%) students were unaware of the Criminal Code articles used to prosecute medical workers. A possibility of CL scared 204 (48%) students from practicing. Moreover, 342 (80%) respondents noted that the study of “medical error” cases would reduce the number of such cases in future practice. We have introduced a new educational project “Medica Law Clinic” at the KSMU Forensic Medicine Department. Its goal is to ensure increase legal and professional training among students through a comprehensive analysis of criminal medical cases. The work presents the personal experience of eight educational events. Conclusions: Our findings revealed a need to increase the level of legal training among students of medical universities regarding criminal matters. A comprehensive analysis of criminal medical cases is a progressive pedagogical format that has proven its efficacy in the Republic of Tatarstan.