Expert Determination in Healthcare
Expert Determination in Healthcare Disputes isn’t common. But are we missing a trick?
In the complex world of healthcare, patient complaints can arise for various reasons, from miscommunications to medical errors. Resolving these complaints in a fair and efficient manner is essential to maintain trust in the healthcare system. One method that has gained prominence in disputes of a very technical nature (such as engineering or construction) is Expert Determination.
Expert determination is a dispute resolution mechanism where parties involved in a disagreement agree to submit their dispute to a neutral third-party expert. This expert, often well-versed in the field related to the dispute, evaluates the situation and makes a binding decision. In the context of patient complaints, an expert may be a healthcare professional, with expertise in the relevant medical specialty.
One of the significant advantages of expert determination is that the decision-maker possesses specialised knowledge in the relevant field. When addressing patient complaints, having a healthcare professional with expertise in the specific medical area involved can lead to an accurate and informed decision.
Expert determination often provides quicker resolutions than traditional legal processes. Patients and healthcare providers both benefit from a timely resolution, reducing stress and avoiding lengthy legal battles, often at a significantly lower cost. This makes it an attractive option for healthcare institutions and patients alike.
The chosen expert is expected to be impartial, offering an unbiased perspective in resolving the dispute, thereby instilling trust in the process and the decision reached.
A significant advantage of Expert determination is the protection and confidentiality of sensitive patient information.
Narrowing the issues in very technical HealthCare conflict often paves the way for further DR mechanisms, such as negotiation or mediation. The expert’s decision is normally binding on all parties. This decision can include recommendations for compensation or actions to be taken by the healthcare provider to address the complaint.
Expert determination is a valuable tool in the healthcare industry for resolving patient complaints efficiently and fairly. It harnesses the expertise of professionals in the field to reach impartial and informed decisions. The process is cost-effective, private, and swift, making it an attractive alternative to lengthy and costly legal battles. By promoting trust and transparency in healthcare dispute resolution, expert determination can contribute to improving patient satisfaction and maintaining the integrity of healthcare institutions.
