Medicine, Malpractice and Misapprehensions

There is now incontrovertible evidence that medical mistakes and mishaps occur in significant numbers every year. This book examines the uncertainty and some of the myths surrounding errors and claims in healthcare, and places the arguments surrounding the so-called compensation culture on a stronger statistical, and hence epistemological basis.

---

Analyzing the level of claims for clinical negligence in the light of the most recent trends and discovering whether there is indeed a litigation crisis in healthcare, this book is a topical and compelling exploration of healthcare and doctor-patient relationships.

The author:






identifies and analyzes the growing pressures on doctors in modern society, placing their role in context
explores some of the myths surrounding media claims about malpractice
considers the practice of ‘defensive medicine’ and the difference between defensive practices and sensible risk management
examines external pressures, such as political interference with clinical practice in the form of target-setting and what might be described as a culture of creeping privatization of healthcare.

Covering the topics of medicine and the media and the causes of occupational stress among doctors, this volume is a must read for all students of medical law and medical ethics.