The Incompetent Doctor: Behind Closed Doors (State of Health Series)

Based on qualitative, ethnographic research carried out in England and Sweden, this book examines a neglected area of professional self-regulation. It explores the range of informal and quasi-formal mechanisms used by doctor colleagues, health-care managers and professional organizations in attempts to cope with the problem or incompetent doctor. Focusing on consultant surgeons and senior general practitioners, extensive interviews reveal a repetoire of mechanisms that include, amongst others, the frank talk, protective support, the veiled threat, being forced out of the partnership, the attempted golden handshake and, when all else fails, stalemate and marginalization.