In a four-part series for Medicus Matters entitled, ‘The Impact of Complaints against Doctors’, Medicus Board member Dr Wayne Cunningham has been exploring and commenting on the many ways healthcare professionals are affected by, and can learn from, patient complaints.
This is a matter on which all health professionals should reflect. Unfortunately, complaints against health professionals are all too common, and are not likely to decrease. In part three of this series. in this issue, we are reminded of the wisdom of reflecting not only on the merits of the complaint, and what changes to practice, if any, might be made, but also on the impact receipt of the complaint has on the recipient.
It is most likely that we will all be recipients of complaints at some time or other and, quite likely, on a number of occasions. It is important we look after each other when complaints are received, and on a personal level. Complaints should not be reflected upon in private.
The support of trusted colleagues is important. If you feel the need for such support outside your immediate network, talk with Medicus. We will try to help, not just with the substance of the complaint and the process, but with personal support from a fellow professional.
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