The structure of the Mediations' Committees will have to be reviewed within the framework of the Health Professions Act. The committee met with four patients to review their cases. The Chair mediated five patients via the telephone. Four of the nine patients had legitimate complaints but the committee was not able to mediate all cases to the satisfaction of the clients. Complaints dealing with vague pain symptoms and large crown and bridge case are extremely hard to mediate.
Complaints seem to be increasing in number and their complexity.
As part of treatment plans it would be wise to have a patient sign a form indicating their understanding of treatment options, especially if the case is slightly out of the ordinary or complex. The Calgary and District Mediation Committee has handled over 60 new cases this past year. The success rate of resolution has been excellent. The cases presented to the committee has been more complex than in the past. Unrealistic patient expectations compounded by improper comments by fellow practitioners were more in evidence this year.