[Complaints to the Norwegian Patients' Society. Who complained, why and with what result?].

Norsk Pasientforening (The Norwegian Patients' Association) is an independent organization which receives complaints on unsatisfactory medical treatment. During a period of 13 months, 176 complaints were handled, most of which were very serious. The complaints were directed at all counties, but to a very varying degree. The organization has a consulting committee, consisting of a doctor, a lawyer and a patient representative. This committee handled 79 of the complaints which were regarded as especially complex. The medical advisor agreed fully or partially with 57% of the patients, but only 15% were advised to sue. Another 15% could apply for economic compensation from the government. 22% of the complaints referred to primary health care, and 72% to institutional health care. Half of the complaints referred to the primary treatment, or lack of treatment, of a disease. The other half referred to circumstances or complications which arose during or after treatment.