One in seven Belgian doctors fears being sued

Belgian doctors are increasingly wary of being involved in a law suit, leading one in seven doctors to refuse to see a patient when there is a high risk of complications, according to De Morgen based on a study by the University of Hasselt.

The Medical Accidents Fund (FMO), created in 2010, allows patients or family members to press charges against a medical specialist free of charge. The study shows that 85% of the 508 physicians surveyed are aware of the existence of the fund, and that it has had a significant impact on their work, causing them to act more carefully and defensively.

One in seven doctors said they would even avoid treating high-risk patients. More than one-fifth of the doctors suggest additional examinations before making a diagnosis, or refer patients to another doctor for a second opinion.