[Complaints of patients on medical treatment]

Complaints handled by the Directorate of Health about medical treatment have been registered and analysed for the years 1980, 1985 and 1990. The analysis shows that the number of complaints against government hospitals increased fourfold from 1985 to 1990. Compensation awarded in cases where medical negligence was proved rose sevenfold from NOK 3 million in 1985 to NOK 20 million in 1990. We have reason to believe that there has been a similar increase in the number of claims for compensation, and in the amount of compensation awarded in cases of proven negligence, also in cases not involving the Directorate of Health. It is important to note that our study demonstrates an increase in serious events leading to permanent functional impairment or death. A post hoc analysis suggests that some 80% of the failures might have been avoided if an adequate system of quality assurance had been established.