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[This article belongs to Volume - 71, Issue - 4]
Published on : 2026-04-17 19:03:59
Article Code: AMJ-17-04-2026-12374
Title : Perceptions of the professional liability insurance system among health care workers: a cross-sectional study
Author(s) : Nazykesh Akhmetoldinova, Zhanna Tlembayeva, Rauan Zhaltyrbayeva, Zhorabek Abraliyev, Malike Kudaibergenova
Abstract :
Objectives: This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ perceptions of the current professional liability insurance system in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It was hypothesized that, despite a neutral overall evaluation, healthcare workers would report limited practical protection and identify insufficient transparency and institutional awareness as key challenges. Differences in perceptions by sector, length of service, and professional category were examined, along with predictors of support for a unified electronic insurance claims registry.
Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted in December 2025 among healthcare workers at Astana Medical University and public and private healthcare organizations in Astana. The final analysis included 106 respondents. Inclusion criteria were current employment in a healthcare setting and provision of informed consent; questionnaires with critically incomplete responses on key variables were excluded. Measures covered overall system evaluation (Q17; 1–5 scale), attitudes toward system characteristics (Q8, Q10, Q12, Q14, Q15), perceived professional risks (Q6), system-related problems (Q11), and proposed improvements (Q16). Statistical analyses included the Kruskal–Wallis test, chi-square or Fisher’s exact test with Cramer’s V, Benjamini–Hochberg correction, and exploratory multivariable logistic regression.
Results: The median overall system rating was 3 (IQR: 2–3). Nearly half of respondents considered insurance claim review procedures inadequate (49.1%), and 41.5% reported difficulty assessing insurance cost-effectiveness. The most frequently cited professional risk was legal vulnerability in relation to patients (72.6%). Insufficient transparency (40.6%) and low awareness (39.6%) were identified as key systemic problems. Mandatory educational courses were supported by 85.8% of respondents. Support for a unified electronic insurance claims registry was expressed by 42.5%, with no significant independent predictors identified.
Conclusion: Although the professional liability insurance system received a neutral overall assessment, healthcare workers expressed notable concerns regarding its practical effectiveness and procedural reliability. Strengthening educational initiatives, improving transparency, and enhancing legal support mechanisms are essential for improving system performance.