Occupational hazard
Complaints to be expected
Each year Avant is assisting more doctors in addressing challenges to their performance or conduct. It is now almost a case of when,
not if, a doctor will face such a situation. We have seen a steady rise in assistance being required by members in addressing complaints
about them and more recently, an increase in civil compensation claims. The articles in this issue reflect some of the trends we are seeing
and the drivers commonly causing members to call upon Avant to protect them.
Andrew Parkinson
Executive General Manager, Medical Defence & Service
28%
of coronial matters
result in criticism of care
by the doctor involved
Critical coroners
of matters regarding
consent are due to
inadequate or no
discussion of risks
30%
Unclear consent
increase in call frequency from
physicians to our Medico-legal
Advisory Service regarding
employment matters
40%
Employment disputes
1 in 2 surgeons will have a
claim in a five year period
Despite best intentions
things going wrong
increase in calls
from practices to
our Medico-legal
Advisory Service
35%
Practice privacy concerns
of all disciplinary and
compensation claims
had communication
as a factor
32%
Communication problems
Data source: Avant claims data (2014-17) and Medico-legal Advisory Service calls (2016-17)
of workplace behaviour allegations or
complaints relate to unprofessional
irresponsible behaviour as opposed
to aggressive, toxic behaviour or
excessive hours
Relationship breakdowns
ΒΌ
Manner of communication
2 out of 3 compensation claims
and disciplinary matters relating to
communication are about how things
are said rather than their effectiveness
2
Connect | Issue 09 | avant.org.au/publications
