Conflict of interest in regulatory investigations on medical professionals

Abstract

Medical professionals' practices may be investigated by their employers. Biased and flawed investigations impact badly on clinicians' lives and careers but also reduce the quality of patient care provided, which in turn result in serious financial costs for the National Health Service. This article considers the importance of excluding conflict of interest while organising regulatory investigations. It explores the harmful effects that a biased and badly conducted investigation may have on staff and the possible ways of ensuring that investigations are fair and unbiased, with reference to Fit and Proper Persons Test and overarching responsibility of the Trust Board of Directors.

Keywords: bias; conflict of interest; fit and proper persons regulation; regulatory hospital investigation.