Writing a report 

Your report should be:

• Detailed – it is better to provide too much information than too little
• Clear – avoid ambiguity and be clear about who did what and when
• Objective – state the facts. Do not use the report to criticise others or make general comments on hospital politics.

Your report should be based on:

• The medical records
• Your own recollection
• Your usual practice.

Why might a report be required?

There are various situations in which you may be required to write a report:

• For your employer, possibly after something goes wrong
• For the coroner
• For a solicitor
• For the police
• For a patient’s employer or insurance company.

You may be required to write a report, either as a lay witness or a professional witness. If you are writing as a lay witness, this means you are writing as a member of the public. If you are the doctor involved in some aspect of the patient’s care, you will be asked to provide a report as a professional witness.

Facts or opinions?

The majority of reports that you are asked to provide will be statements of fact – giving an account of what took place. You should only report the facts as you know them. If you are asked to give an opinion, you must only comment within your expertise.

Disclosure of patient information

A report will, more often than not, involve the disclosure of confidential information about a patient. You need to make sure you have the authority to disclose this information, by getting your patient’s consent and checking they are clear about the information you will be providing and why it is necessary. 

Report writing tips

• Write in the first person singular – “I did this…”
• Address the report to an intelligent lay person; avoid jargon and abbreviations
• Bear in mind that the patient or their relatives are likely to see the report; avoid any pejorative, humorous or unnecessary subjective remarks
• Organise the report chronologically – give actual dates, and use either a 24-hour clock to give times, or state whether you are referring to am or pm
• Give each incident or event a separate paragraph or section
• Check spelling, punctuation and grammar before submitting
• Your report should be typed, signed and dated
• Keep a copy of the report in your notes and a note of how, when and to whom you submitted it.

Making a supplementary report

Sometimes it is necessary to make a supplementary report to deal with issues that come to light after you have written your original report. Before doing this, make sure that you review your report, the medical records and any new documentation.

If you have any questions or concerns about what you have been asked to produce, you should contact Medical Protection for further advice.