Professional Integrity and Malpractices in Indonesia

The illustration depicts a hospital setting with a doctor attending to a patient on a bed, symbolizing professional care, while a shadowy figure in the background holding a bag of money represents malpractice. The scene incorporates tropical elements and the Indonesian flag to contextualize the issue within Indonesia's medical field. (Sumber: Dokumen Pribadi)

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Professional integrity is about being honest, ethical, and accountable in the workplace, especially in healthcare. It is crucial for ensuring patients trust their medical providers. In Indonesia, the Healthcare Law (Law No. 36/2009) sets ethical standards to prioritize patient safety [1]. However, malpractice cases, such as surgical errors or missed diagnoses, reveal challenges in maintaining these standards.Addressing these issues requires stronger regulations, better education, and greater transparency [2].

1.2 GENERAL OBJECTIVES

To explore the concepts of professional integrity and malpractice in Indonesia.

To analyze their impact on professional accountability and public trust.

1.3 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

To examine notable malpractice cases in Indonesia.

To discuss preventive strategies to strengthen professional ethics and minimize malpractice risks.

CHAPTER II

CASE DESCRIPTION

The Case of Dr. Dewa Ayu Sasiary

In 2010, Dr. Dewa Ayu Sasiary and her colleagues performed an emergency cesarean section on a patient in Manado. Unfortunately, the patient passed away due to an air embolism [3]. Accusations of negligence and working without a valid license (SIP) followed. Initially acquitted, Dr. Ayu was later sentenced to 10 months in prison by the Supreme Court. This case highlights the difficulties in distinguishing medical risks from negligence and underscores the need for clearer ethical and legal guidelines [4].

CHAPTER III

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This framework links professional integrity, malpractice prevention, and public trust. (Sumber: Dokumen Pribadi)

Professional integrity (independent variable) involves ethical behavior and accountability. It directly impacts public trust (dependent variable), which measures confidence in the healthcare system. Malpractice prevention (mediating variable) bridges the gap: strong professional integrity reduces errors and increases trust. Legal frameworks (moderating variables) strengthen this relationship, while other factors like education and healthcare resources (control variables) provide broader context.

CHAPTER IV

LITERATURE REVIEW

4.1 Professional Integrity

Professional integrity means doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. In healthcare, it ensures patients’ needs come first. The NIH emphasizes professional integrity as a core element of quality healthcare [5].

4.2 Malpractice and Accountability

Medical malpractice happens when healthcare providers harm patients through negligence. Examples include wrong treatments or errors during surgery. Studies show that better communication and stricter laws can reduce malpractice [6].

4.3 Regulations in Indonesia

Indonesia’s healthcare laws require ethical conduct and accountability. While laws like the Medical Practice Act aim to reduce malpractice, enforcement remains a challenge. Improvements in training and regulation are needed [7].

CHAPTER V

DISCUSSION

5.1 Case Analysis

The Dr. Ayu case highlights gaps in professional integrity and legal enforcement. Contributing factors included unclear ethical guidelines and systemic flaws like unlicensed practice.

5.2 Challenges in Indonesia

Legal Enforcement: Weak monitoring systems and licensing gaps increase malpractice risks.

Cultural Factors: Hierarchical systems and limited resources worsen issues.

Public Awareness: Many patients are unaware of their rights.

5.3 Preventive Strategies

Education: Ethics training for healthcare professionals should be mandatory.

Improved documentation:Maintaining detailed and accurate medical records to enhance accountability.

Audit and Oversight: Regular audits to monitor compliance with ethical and legal standards.

Informed Consent: Ensuring patients fully understand their medical procedures and associated risks.

CHAPTER VI

CONCLUSION & SUGGESTION

6.1 Conclusion

Professional integrity and malpractice are closely linked to healthcare quality and public trust. The Dr. Ayu case shows the need for stronger legal frameworks and better ethical practices in Indonesia.

6.2 Recommendations

• Implement mandatory licensing and regular professional audits.

• Increase public awareness about patients’ rights and informed consent.

• Promote continuous education on ethics and technology to minimize risks.

REFERENCES

National Institute of Health. (2022, January 25). Professional integrity. NIH Office of Human Resources.https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/competencies/competencies-dictionary/professional-integrity

Brazier, Y. (2017, April 5). What is medical malpractice? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248175#what_is_medical_malpractice

Kusumadewi, A. (2013, November 28). Kasus dr Ayu, Ini Kronologi Dokter Vs Mahkamah Agung. VIVA. https://www.viva.co.id/berita/nasional/462229-kasus-dr-ayu-ini-kronologi-dokter-vs-mahkamah-agung

Kisah Lengkap dr Ayu dan 2 Kolega yang Dibui karena Dugaan Malpraktik. (2013, November 25). detiknews. https://news.detik.com/berita/d-2422397/kisah-lengkap-dr-ayu-dan-2-kolega-yang-dibui-karena-dugaan-malpraktik.

Levinson W, & Ginsburg S, & Hafferty F.W., & Lucey C.R.(Eds.). (2014). Integrity and accountability: Understanding Medical Professionalism. McGraw-Hill Education. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?sectionid=59867346&bookid=1058#:~:text=In%20healthcare%20settings%20we%20can,not%20easy%20to%20do%20so

Utama, A. B. (2014). Enforcement against medical malpractice crime.https://indonesianhealthlaw.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/enforcement-against-medical-malpractice-crime.pdf

International Trade Administration. (2023, September 17). Indonesia healthcare law. https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/indonesia-healthcare-law