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Indian Journal of Law and Human Behavior

Volume  11, Issue 1, Jan-June 2025, Pages 17-28
 

Review Article

Giving the Benefit of the Doubt in Medical Practice: Balancing Ethics, Justice, and Patient Care

Vivekanshu Verma1

1 Associate Consultant in Emergency Department, Medanta-the Medicity, Gurugram. 122001.
 

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijlhb.2454.7107.11125.2

Abstract

Objective: To explore the medicolegal implications, ethical challenges, and clinical outcomes of applying the principle of “benefit of the doubt” in medical practice. Methods: A mixed-methods study combining a systematic literature review (2010–2023) and qualitative analysis of 15 medicolegal case studies. A survey of 200 clinicians assessed attitudes toward uncertainty and patient trust. Results: Clinicians who routinely applied the benefit of the doubt reported higher patient satisfaction (85% vs. 62% in control groups) but faced 30% higher medicolegal risks. Diagnostic accuracy improved by 22% when clinicians prioritized patient narratives over isolated test results. Conclusion: The benefit of the doubt enhances patient-centered care but requires judicious use to mitigate legal risks.
 


Keywords : • Medical ethics; • Patient autonomy; • Medicolegal risk; • Diagnostic uncertainty; • Trust in healthcare.
Corresponding Author : Vivekanshu Verma,