ABSTRACT
With the rise in the number of medical negligence claims over the last decade the demand on doctors to act as medical experts has correspondingly increased. This article reviews the criteria necessary to be a credible expert witness and gives guidance on writing a report that will stand the test of legal scrutiny.
Subject(s)
Expert Testimony/standards , Malpractice , Writing , Expert Testimony/methods , Humans , Truth DisclosureABSTRACT
This article summarizes the main provisions of the Access to Health Records Act 1990 and considers its implications for the medical profession. It is the authors' view that although it is unlikely that the majority of patients will avail themselves of their rights under the Act, its provisions could have significant implications in the field of medical negligence.
Subject(s)
Medical Records/legislation & jurisprudence , Patient Advocacy/legislation & jurisprudence , Humans , Physician-Patient Relations , United KingdomABSTRACT
'If the doctor shall treat a gentleman and shall open an abscess with a bronze knife and shall preserve the eye of the patient, he shall receive 10 shekels of silver, if the doctor shall open an abscess with a bronze knife and shall kill the patient or destroy the eye, his hands shall be cut off.' (Hammurabi's law, approximately 2000 BC).
