MEDICAL LIABILITY AND THE RIGHTS OF PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN SAUDI ARABIA AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Abstract

This dissertation aims to see the development and identify the rights of patients with special needs in Saudi Arabia (SA), particularly the types of compensation for which they are eligible. It compares the differences in medical liability between Saudi Arabia and the United States (USA), explores mechanisms for reducing medical errors in both countries and provides suggestions and recommendations. And raise the awareness between the patients and the patients with special needs.

The research method was reviewing and analyzing the existing literature in Saudi Arabia on medical liability, with a specific focus on disabled patients and their experiences in Saudi hospitals. And reviewing the landmark studies from the USA concerning medical errors and compensation—also, interviews with 15 participants from Saudi Arabia. This research reaches recommendations, such as: 1. raise awareness among patients, leaflets should be distributed, and posters should be displayed on walls, outlining the doctor's responsibilities, patient rights, and correct procedures to follow when a medical error occurs within medical facilities. This will help increase patient awareness of medical responsibility and errors. 2. Special events should be organized for the public to educate them about medical liability and medical errors, thus raising awareness about the existing processes. In the end, both countries have great systems in the medical field, but comparative researchers, in general, benefit from other countries' experiences.