The state of knowledge of young Italian medicolegal doctors on the law of provisions for informed consent and advance treatment directives: a multi-centric survey two years after the enactment of Law 219 of 2017.

The state of knowledge of young Italian medicolegal doctors on the law of provisions for informed consent and advance treatment directives: a multi-centric survey two years after the enactment of Law 219 of 2017.

Authors

  • Matteo Bolcato 1Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
  • Alessandro Feola Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy.
  • Matteo Sanavio Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Legal Medicine, University - Hospital of Padua, Via Falloppio 50, 35121 Padua, Italy
  • Alberto Amadasi Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49 Bologna, Italy.
  • Stefano Crenna Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 12, Pavia, 27100, Italy
  • Gianluca Landi Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Forensic Medicine, University of Siena, Siena Policlinic, 53100 Siena, Italy
  • Camilla Tettamanti Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, DISSAL, University of Genoa, Via Antonio De Toni 12, 16142, Genoa, Italy

Keywords:

informed consent, self-determination, advance directives, shared care plan, conscientious objection, legal medicine

Abstract

Background. On 22 December 2017, Law number 219 was approved in Italy entitled “Provisions for informed consent and advance treatment directives”. We aim to examine the knowledge of these provisions of Italian medico legal fellows, and the ability of Italian university healthcare facilities to implement the principles of the new law.

Methods. A survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire sent to members of a scientific society. The society had 357 members and represents more than 75% of the Italian doctors in training and 32 university healthcare facilities in Italy. 27 facilities and 45% of the society’s members participated in this enquiry.

Results. The majority (68%) of those interviewed felt they had acquired an adequate knowledge of the Law but only 60% of them were able to indicate how for filing legally valid advance directives (60% vs. 40%) and only 37% knew how drafting a shared care plan. 89% of the pool felt that legal recognition of a patient’s self-determination was useful for enhancing the care relationship. The 74% of the facilities analyzed have organized training activities regarding the contents of the law but only 26% have updated their procedures on the practical implementation of the law and their informed consent forms. 60% of the facilities perform medico legal consultation activities and in 15% of the facilities, there has been resistance to the application of the law.

Conclusion. Many of the facilities have performed training activities but lack effective implementation of the activities required. With increased knowledge and organization this could be overcome.

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Published

10-08-2020

How to Cite

1.
The state of knowledge of young Italian medicolegal doctors on the law of provisions for informed consent and advance treatment directives: a multi-centric survey two years after the enactment of Law 219 of 2017. . Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2020 Aug. 10 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];92(1):e2021005. Available from: https://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/10129