Negligence of medical experts: Quality control of medical experts is being considered

doi:10.1136/bmj.330.7498.1026-b

BMJ 2005;330:1026 (30 April), doi:10.1136/bmj.330.7498.1026-b

Letter

Negligence of medical experts

Quality control of medical experts is being considered

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR—Bishop takes exception to the current standardsof medical experts.¹ Although some cases of evidence presentedby those eminent in their field have later been discounted,most experts adhere to the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 code ofconduct. A failure to adhere to these duties would result incensure or referral to the General Medical Council's fitnessto practise committee.

Funding for experts is limited, and successful cross examinationcan be difficult. With this in mind, with the interests of justicefor claimants and defendants, the BMA has been in talks withthe Civil Justice Council and the Legal Services Commissionto tackle the issues of quality, proportionality, and accreditation.Medical practitioners have stated that quality must not be sacrificedon the altar of affordability.

Concern has been expressed that doctors may not be adequatelytrained for expert work or that they are not including it inrevalidation. . . . [Full text of this article]

M E Jan Wise, consultant psychiatrist

London NW6 6HX jan.wise@nhs.net