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Litigation in English rhinology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2015

A S Harris ,
S J Edwards  and
L Pope
A S Harris*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Swansea, Wales, UK
S J Edwards
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Swansea, Wales, UK
L Pope
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Swansea, Wales, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Andrew S Harris, Hazeldine, Hillside, Prestatyn LL19 9EN, Wales, UK E-mail: drewharris@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

Litigation is a rising financial burden on the National Health Service. This study aims to show if litigation is increasing in rhinology and which procedures lead to the most claims.

Methods:

Ten years of data were obtained from the National Health Service Litigation Authority. Rhinology claims were examined for cost, injury, diagnosis and operation type.

Results:

Of the 123 rhinology claims identified, 52 per cent were successful. There was a 56 per cent increase in the average annual number of claims between the first half of the study period and the second (p = 0.0451). The commonest reasons for a claim were poor cosmesis (15.6 per cent) and lack of informed consent (14 per cent).

Conclusion:

The number of claims in rhinology increased over the study period. Most claims resulted from poor cosmetic outcome, lack of consent or recognised complications. It is suggested that enhanced communication and management of patient expectations could reduce litigation and improve patient satisfaction.

Keywords

LitigationMedicolegal AspectsMalpracticeNegligenceInformed ConsentNasal Surgical ProceduresOtolaryngology
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 3 , March 2015 , pp. 244 - 249
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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Footnotes

Presented at the ENT Wales Academic Meeting, 11 October 2013, Cardiff, Wales, UK.

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