Ethical transgressions among healthcare professionals in South Africa from 2014 to 2023

Abstract

Background: Patients have become more comfortable lodging complaints with professional regulatory bodies over the last several years, likely influenced by the trending nature of patient-centred care and consumerism in healthcare and increased access to information through social media.
Aim: To analyse the frequency and nature of reported ethical transgressions and penalties among registered South African healthcare professionals from 2014 to 2023.
Setting: The study took place in South Africa.
Methods: A list of all sanctioned cases was obtained from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (data were unavailable for 2019). A mixed-methods approach of quantitative and qualitative content analyses was followed.
Results: The study analysed 1012 ethical transgressions among 452 registered medical practitioners, physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians, dentists and occupational therapists. Fraudulent conduct accounted for the largest number (n = 507 [50.1%]) of transgressions across all professions. The most common penalty imposed was a fine of R1000 to R10000 (26% of total penalties). Both a fine and a suspension were imposed in 82% of cases. Completion of an ethics-based educational course accounted for only 3%.
Conclusion: Fraudulent conduct remains the highest reported ethical transgression among registered healthcare professionals in South Africa. Individualised education that remediates deficiencies in ethical behaviours through analysis and reflection could be beneficial in mitigating ethical misconduct among healthcare professionals.
Contribution: This study provides a comparative analysis of ethical transgressions and penalties among healthcare professionals in South Africa. It also offers insights into necessary areas of improvement of education and training and suggests a different approach to disciplinary action.