Ireland: breakdown of trust between doctor and patient.

By European standards Ireland experiences a very high level of medical litigation. The possible reasons for this are numerous but not yet determined with any certainty. The consequences are quite clear with negative effects on medical practice, on the psychological health of doctors and patients alike, and on finances of the state. There are different patterns of medical litigation throughout Europe. Ireland may be merely anticipating the emerging increase in such actions elsewhere in the region. The present adversarial basis for medical litigation is not wholly without merit and has contributed to professional accountability. Nevertheless, a change in the present system ensuring accountability and fair compensation is required, together with a striving to ensure that trust is rebuilt between doctors and patients.