Reciprocity of risk: What are your rights when patients complain?

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Medicolegal

Reciprocity of risk: What are your rights when patients complain?

7 June 2023

Gaeline Phipps

Wednesday 7 June 2023, 12:20 AM

At a time of health resource crisis, the threat of complaints against GPs is high, adding yet more stress to the job [Image: Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels]

Complaint processes are viewed as an important part of improving patient safety, but what does that mean for GPs? Wellington barrister Gaeline Phipps discusses who bears the risk

This Practice article has been endorsed by the RNZCGP and has been approved for up to 0.25 credits for continuing professional development purposes (1, Educate small, BACK panel - grey

General Practice

References

1. Medical Council of New Zealand. The New Zealand Medical Workforce in 2022. 14 November 2022.

2. General Practice NZ. Urgent Investment Needed To Boost General Practice Workforce. Media release, 31 March 2023.

3. Health and Disability Commissioner. Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2022.

4. Medical Council of New Zealand. Ending a doctor-patient relationship. December 2020.

5. Privacy Commissioner. Health Information Privacy Code 2020.

6. Health and Disability Commissioner. The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights.

7. von dem Knesebeck O, Koens S, Marx G, Scherer M. Perceptions of time constraints among primary care physicians in Germany. BMC Fam Pract 2019;20(1):142.

8. Linzer M, Konrad TR, Douglas J, et al. Managed care, time pressure, and physician job satisfaction: results from the physician worklife study. J Gen Intern Med 2000;15(7):441–50.

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