Adopting strategies to reduce healthcare litigation and complaints

Patients are bringing more court actions and are making more formal complaints then ever before. The reasons are various and range from the Patient's Charter making patients more informed to the publicity of successful court cases and complaints alerting patients to their right to sue and complain. Whatever the reason for bringing the claim or making the complaint it is important for healthcare to reflect on the reasons for the increase and to adopt strategies for reduction. Litigation and complaints cost health authorities and patients valuable time and money. Going to court and mounting a formal complaint can also be an emotionally stressful experience for all those involved.