SWEDISH MALPRACTICE REPORTS AND CONVICTIONS

The Swedish system, with the Board of Health and Welfare as supervisor, and Medical Board of Responsibility gives both authorities and patients the opportunity to file reports demanding disciplinary action where an error is perceived to have been committed. A total of 184 primary care complaints, involving 230 staff of which 170 were physicians and 42 nurses, were reviewed. Complaints were made by patients or parents in 73% and by the Board of Health in 14%. Handling took up to 4 years. Erroneous or delayed diagnosis was the cause in 58%, erroneous medication in 11%, rudeness in 14%. Of the 230 staff reported, 23 received warnings and 19 reprimands.