Long complaint investigations against doctors cause early retirement and poor mental heath, survey finds
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Long investigations of complaints against doctors can be “cold and heartless”, with one in 10 doctors quitting medicine or retiring early, and one in eight having suicidal thoughts, a new survey shows.
Additionally, one in 10 said they experienced suicidal thoughts during their investigation, with one doctor’s case lasting seven years, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) has found.
These investigations are carried out by the Irish Medical Council (IMC) with the aim of protecting the public. However, doctors investigated over the last five years told the MPS of long delays in this process.
One said they were stressed by “an unwarranted complaint” and “by the seven years that the Medical Council has taken to deal with it”. In another example, a doctor said their case “dragged out for three years”.
A doctor reflecting on the council’s role said while its function is to protect the public, "that function can be done with empathy not only for the patient involved but also for the doctor".
One doctor said: “The Medical Council came across as cold and heartless and no one was concerned about the impact the process would have on my mental health and wellbeing.”
Among 117 doctors investigated over the last five years, some 77% saw a negative impact on mental health and 93% experienced stress and anxiety.
Some 24% considered quitting while 10% either left or retired earlier. Suicidal thoughts were experienced by 12% during their investigation.
MPS deputy medical director Dr James Thorpe said it supports doctors through the complaint processes and called for “an urgent review”.
He called on the Government also to commence legislation which will give the IMC powers to triage cases and act more swiftly.
Responding to the survey, the IMC said it is aware of concerns, and that some recommendations made were previously acted on, with others soon to be.
Last year 29,488 medical practitioners were on the council’s register. They opened 353 complaints representing 1.3% of doctors. Some 61 complaints were referred to Fitness to Practise committee.
IMC president Dr Suzanne Crowe previously told the in unpublished remarks, she is aware investigations can take “months or years” to conclude.
“We often have to obtain medical charts from hospitals and that is incredibly time consuming,” she said. “And we have to get reports from experts, take that into account, and meet again and discuss the cases.”
An IMC spokeswoman said reforms aim to make the process more transparent for patients making complaints as well as doctors.
She acknowledged “doctors find being under complaints investigation very stressful” and said patients also find the process “difficult”.
“Our aim of adopting a more compassionate approach will focus on clear and more timely communication, enhancing transparency,” she said.