The association between fear of malpractice and burnout among Chinese medical workers: The mediating role of legal consciousness

BACKGROUND: As a major reason for defensive medicine, the status and effect of “fear of malpractice” among Chinese medical staff is an important topic that needs to be studied. Our study investigated fear of malpractice among Chinese medical workers, assessed its association with burnout, and explored the mediating role of legal consciousness between these factors. DESIGN: A quantitative, cross-sectional study. SETTING: All respondents were investigated using a self-report questionnaire. Demographic characteristics and measurements including a fear of malpractice scale, and a burnout and legal consciousness scale were employed. The effect of fear of malpractice on burnout was examined by carrying out a binary regression analysis. A mediation model was used to test the mediating role of legal consciousness. PARTICIPANTS: The study sample included 1031 doctors and nurses (297 male and 734 female; age = 36.3 ± 8.98). RESULTS: The average score of fear of malpractice was 20.97 ± 5.34. Respondents with higher levels of fear of malpractice were more prone to burnout ([OR] = 2.865; 95% CI 1.942–4.226). Legal consciousness partially and negatively mediated the effect of fear of malpractice on burnout. CONCLUSION: High levels of fear of malpractice were found among Chinese medical workers, and this fear had a significant effect on burnout. Legal consciousness may be a resource that can alleviate burnout.