Bird S. How to write a medico-legal report.
AUSTRALIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN 2014;
43:777-779. [PMID:
25393463]
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Abstract
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.
DISCUSSION
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.
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