As many as three million people believe they have been placed at risk of harm in primary health care settings, according to a new analysis.
The survey of 4,000 people found that 7.6% reported experience of problems with clinical care in primary care. The experiences included dental care but 70% occurred in general practice.
The researchers conducting the study said they believed that only a small percentage of the incidents reported by patients were in fact potentially harmful.
The Manchester University researchers have published their findings in BMJ Open. The survey was conducted by pollsters Ipsos-Mori.
They say their findings show the need to find ways to make it easier for patients to raise concerns and question about their care.
Some 20% of alleged problems involved prescriptions while 12% related to late or missed diagnosed. Another 15% related to communication problems.
Complaints included the patient who reported chronic nose bleeding over several months. It was eventually diagnosed as cancer.
Researcher Professor Aneez Esmail said: “This study shows that the views of patients are important when something goes wrong, irrespective of whether significant harm is caused.
“We also show that working with patients when something has gone wrong can help re-build trust with the GPs and other clinicians.”
Fellow researcher Dr Jill Stocks said: “Our survey suggests there are probably a large number of patients in Great Britain who believe they have experienced a potentially-harmful preventable problem in primary care.
“Importantly, only around half of the patients discussed their concern with somebody working in primary care yet those that did retained a higher level of confidence and trust in their GP.”
0 Comments