How to write a medico-legal report.
BACKGROUND
The preparation and provision of medico-legal reports by the treating doctor is an inevitable but sometimes unwelcome part of general practice.


OBJECTIVE
This article outlines the steps involved in preparing a 'good' medico-legal report, including some of the common pitfalls to avoid.


CONCLUSIONS
General practitioners play an important role in providing medico-legal reports about their patients for a wide variety of purposes. A medico-legal report may be seen by a diverse, non-medical audience. Once prepared, the report may be used as evidence in court proceedings and subjected to close scrutiny. A structured and comprehensive medico-legal report may minimise the chances of having to give evidence in court.
MBBS, MFM(clin), FRACGP, is Manager, Medico-Legal and Advisory Services, MDA National.
Sara
S
Bird
D058006:General Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D066209:Medical Writing