Medical malpractice claims in relation to colorectal malignancy in the National Health Service

AimUnder the current increased financial constraints affecting the National Health Service (NHS), clinical negligence claims and associated compensations are constantly rising. Our aim was to identify the magnitude, trends and causes of malpractice claims in relation to a common pathology such as colorectal malignancy in the NHS. MethodData requests were submitted to the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) and to the Medical Defence Union (MDU) and Medical Protection Society (MPS). Data were reviewed, categorized clinically and analysed in terms of causes and costs behind claims. ResultsData from the MPS and MDU were unavailable. In all, 169 claims were identified from the NHSLA database between 2003 and 2012; 123 (73%) cases had been closed, 80 (65%) of which were successful. An increasing overall claim frequency and success rate were found over the last few years. Total litigation expenses were 8.6 million, with 39% paid out as legal expenses. The commonest cause of complaint in successful claims was in relation to diagnostic delays or failures (58%, 5.1 pound million), with a delay or failure by the clinician to take action in response to an abnormal investigation result being a major factor. The occurrence of peri-operative complications (20%, 1.6 pound million) was the second commonest cause. ConclusionAverage frequency and success rates of malpractice claims in secondary care in the NHS are rising, leading to significant overall payouts. The failure or delay in diagnosing colorectal malignancy or its postoperative complications is a common cause behind malpractice claims. Improvement in these areas could enhance patient care and reduce future claims.