The medical expert: time for a re-think?

Medical expert opinion continues to play a critical role in a range of criminal, civil, coronial, and regulatory processes. Such opinion can determine, for example, whether or not the Crown Prosecution Service pursues a conviction for gross negligence manslaughter following an incident or error that leads to the death of a patient. It can also, more broadly, dictate the standards to which doctors are held. In the Family Courts, medical opinion is relied upon in relation to decisions where the lives and wellbeing of children are at stake.Medical expert work is undoubtedly important for patients, families, and society as a whole. It can lead to changes that improve patient safety and ensure that justice is done. However, it can also lead to loss of a doctor’s career or liberty. If an expert gets it wrong, everyone loses. Legal processes are traumatic for doctors, patients, and families.As highlighted by the report…
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