Survey of medical students on medical clarification and medical information obligations as well as on the improvement of general medicolegal education

Background Medical studies are currently undergoing a radical change through the Master Plan 2020 and the introduction of model courses at several universities. Within the standard and model study programs aspects of medical law are mainly taught during forensic medicine training sections. Students are already confronted with legal questions during their clinical traineeships or practical year. The objective of the study was to find out whether and to what extent medical students were prepared for the medicolegal aspects by the beginning of the 4th or 5th clinical semester, particularly with specific respect to medical clarification and medical information obligations and whether improvements in medicolegal teaching are desired. Material and methods A quantitative standardized survey was conducted with a total of 373 students at the beginning of each forensic medicine course between the summer semesters 2017 and 2019. Results Nearly all students (98.8%) stated that they had already practically carried out explanatory conversations several times before the start of the forensic medicine course; however, there were significant deficits in theoretical knowledge of the medical explanatory conversation and its delegation. Only 5.1% of the students stated that they were familiar with the legal principles of medical clarification and the corresponding norm found in civil law. More than 80% of participants felt insufficiently prepared for the legal aspects of the practical year. More than 90% of students wished for a better training in medical law. Discussion Establishment of the interdisciplinary teaching of medical law spread over the entire course of studies could improve students' preparation for the practical year and promote their understanding of the legal requirements for the medical profession. According to current developments in the implementation of the Master Plan 2020, medical law should be established in the learning opportunities, objectives and outcomes platform (LOOOP) as obligatory training and teaching content.