| Medico-legal claims against English radiologists: 1995-2006. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19470570 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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A list of claims against radiologists from 1995-2006 was obtained from the NHS Litigation Authority. It shows a total of 440 claims. The largest number of claims (199) related to delayed or missed diagnoses of cancer, and 73 claims related to breast radiology. There is a trend for a mild increase in the number of claims each year. 30 claims were made after a false-positive diagnosis of cancer. Just under pound8.5 million has so far been paid in damages, with a further pound5 million in legal fees. A claim for multiple missed diagnoses of breast cancer led to a pay-out of pound464 000 ( pound673 000 after legal fees); the largest sum awarded following a delay in the diagnosis of an individual cancer was pound300 000. The subtle legal distinction between error and negligence is reviewed here. The reason why breast radiologists are more likely to be sued than any other type of British radiologist is also discussed, along with the implications for UK radiological practice, particularly in light of the recent Chief Medical Officer's report on revalidation. A method is proposed that may protect radiologists from allegations of clinical negligence in the future. |
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Authors:
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S F S Halpin |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article Date: 2009-05-26 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: The British journal of radiology Volume: 82 ISSN: 1748-880X ISO Abbreviation: Br J Radiol Publication Date: 2009 Dec |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2009-11-25 Completed Date: 2010-01-25 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0373125 Medline TA: Br J Radiol Country: England |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 982-8 Citation Subset: AIM; IM |
Affiliation:
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University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. halpinsf@cardiff.ac.uk |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Breast Neoplasms
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diagnosis Diagnostic Errors / economics, legislation & jurisprudence*, statistics & numerical data England Female Humans Liability, Legal / economics* Malpractice / economics, legislation & jurisprudence*, statistics & numerical data Neoplasms / diagnosis Radiology / legislation & jurisprudence*, standards, statistics & numerical data State Medicine / economics, legislation & jurisprudence, statistics & numerical data Terminology as Topic |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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