Striking a balance: The professional viewpoint
Post date: 21/12/2017 | Time to read article: 1 minsThe information within this article was correct at the time of publishing. Last updated 14/02/2019
In this video MPS’s medicolegal experts talk about today’s litigious society, and how this impacts on doctors and the way they practise.
Key points:
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In 2016/2017, the NHS spent £1.7bn on clinical negligence claims
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The NHS will need £65bn for future clinical negligence costs, for claims arising from incidents that have already occurred
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We live in a litigious society and there is more in the media about litigation and successful suing
Complainants often choose to pursue a claim instead of or as well as a complaint -
Almost 90% of the public is concerned about the financial pressures currently facing the NHS
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An increasingly litigious society also impacts on healthcare professionals
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88% of MPS members are increasingly fearful of being sued
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For more than 70% of MPS members this fear has caused stress and anxiety and has impacted on their confidence in how they deal with patients
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84% of MPS’s GP members have ordered more tests or made more referrals due to the fear of being sued
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Practising more defensively doesn’t always lead to improvements in medical practice; unnecessary tests or investigations are not in the best interests of patients and may use up limited NHS resources
