Medical negligence was estimated to cost the NHS in England 235m pounds sterling in 1996/1997, growing at rate of up to 25% per annum. Yet analysis of NHS accounts suggest that a change in accounting policy has led to growth rates and recurrent expenditure on medical negligence being over estimated. The main concern, however, is total societal cost, not the accounting cost to the NHS. The objec...

OBJECTIVES To study and report the attitudes and practices of physicians in a former Soviet republic regarding issues pertaining to patients' rights, physician negligence and the acceptance of gratuities from patients. DESIGN Survey questionnaire administered to physicians in 1991 at the time of the Soviet breakup. SETTING Estonia, formerly a Soviet republic, now an independent state. SUR...

Public awareness of medical accidents is growing, as the rapidly rising rate of litigation and the corresponding increase in defence society subscriptions testify. In many activities-for example, aviation, road and rail travel, industry-errors and accidents are the object of systematic study.24 Aircraft accidents are extensively investigated and extraordinary measures taken to minimise the risk...