Table 4.

Doctor's suggestions to improve the system: themes

Main themes	N doctors (/93)	Example quote
1. Greater transparency, neutrality and a more time-efficient procedure	41	“Investigators and experts should clearly justify their arguments and help the patients to understand to develop trust with the health care professionals.”
2. A policy for vexatious, baseless or unnecessary complaints	27	“A screening tool so that complaints designed to waste time are thrown out early before the wheels are set-in-motion.”
3. Improved open dialogue with patients and supervising bodies	23	“Encouraging direct face-to-face contact and an open dialogue.”
4. More support for physicians during the process	14	“Have a confidential counsellor who was skilled in helping comes to terms with (and normalise) the feelings.”
5. Open, less formal approach	11	“The opportunity to review the situation with parents/ patients in person through a ‘mediation’ type process.”