Mediation: an ideal alternative in healthcare disputes

IT is a common misconception that patients who sue for medical malpractice are out to punish the doctor, get their money back, or both. While there are certainly a few patients who have financial considerations, studies in the UK and the US suggest that money is often not the main goal. In New Zealand, only 25.6 per cent of complainants filed a compensation claim, according to the journal article "Accountability sought by patients following adverse events from medical care: the New Zealand experience" published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 2006.

In fact, many patients just want to have matters explained clearly and to be treated with respect and empathy.…