Multiple reports say a large majority of general practitioners have adjusted their clinical behaviour in response to an increasing volume of complaints. According to the cited findings, around four in five GPs describe practising what is often termed “defensive medicine,” aiming to reduce the risk of scrutiny or backlash. The reported changes include prescribing certain treatments more readily, referring patients to specialists more often, and spending additional time on documentation. The articles frame these practices as ways to protect clinicians and reduce the likelihood of criticism following patient consultations. While the reporting notes potential downsides—such as over-diagnosis and medicalisation—there is no indication in the provided excerpts that the complaints themselves relate to specific clinical errors. The sources consistently present the same core message: rising complaint pressure is influencing how some GPs manage decisions and documentation, with possible impacts on care pathways and resource use.
Most GPs report practising defensive medicine amid rising complaints
Multiple reports say a large majority of general practitioners have adjusted their clinical behaviour in response to an increasing volume of complaints. According to the cited findings, around four in...
- About four in five GPs report practising defensive medicine.
- Some GPs prescribe certain medicines more readily to reduce risk after complaints.
- Some GPs make more specialist referrals than they otherwise would.
- Some GPs spend more time documenting consultations.
- The reports link the shift to a rise in the number of patient or service complaints.
Family doctors said they are more inclined to prescribe certain medicines, refer patients to specialists or spend longer writing notes to prevent a backlash.
3 hours agoFamily doctors said they are more inclined to prescribe certain medicines, refer patients to specialists or spend longer writing notes to prevent a backlash.
3 hours agoFamily doctors said they are more inclined to prescribe certain medicines, refer patients to specialists or spend longer writing notes to prevent a backlash.
4 hours agoFamily doctors said they are more inclined to prescribe certain medicines, refer patients to specialists or spend longer writing notes to prevent a backlash.
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