A report from the Medical Protection Society (MPS) has found that a quarter of clinical negligence claims against GPs in Ireland between 2017 and 2020 involved a delayed diagnosis of cancer.

The findings were presented today (19 March) at a trainees’ conference organised by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP).

The society, which provides support for around 21,000 healthcare professionals in Ireland, analysed more than 2,000 GP cases for its report, including claims, complaints, regulatory cases, and requests for advice on a wide range of legal and professional issues faced by GPs.

Alleged errors

Of the claims involving a delayed cancer diagnosis, nearly half related to female cancers – breast, cervical and endometrial cancer – with breast cancer being the most frequent cancer involved in the claims reviewed.

Prostate cancer was the next most common cancer involved in claims, followed by lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and malignant melanoma.

Aside from delayed cancer diagnoses, more than 15% of GP claims involved alleged medication or prescribing errors, and around 10% involved allegations arising from procedures or minor surgery.

Injury not only factor

MPS medical director Dr Rob Hendry said the highest total payment made, as a result of a compensation claim linked to general practice, was more than €8 million.

This figure included legal and other costs as well as damages for the claimant.

He said a decision to take legal action was influenced not only by the original injury, but also by the patient’s perception of the process, how information was provided and whether, or how, an explanation and an apology were given.