Is it legal?

cormicar

Hi All,

My mother recently had a full knee replacement and what I found strange was the real lack of information on this type of operation. It's almost impossible to find out how successful e.g. knee,hip and ankle surgeries are in Ireland. Wouldn't it be great to be able to lookup a central database of surgeries in Ireland over the last couple of years and see what operations were carried out and to see how people have faired. Obviously the database would not contain any personal info about the patient but would give a great insight to potential pre op patients about peoples symptoms and how successful the operation was. Also it may help to identify who the better surgeons are and what techniques worked best.
As I have a bit of time on my hands over the next few weeks I wanted to setup a website that would gather this kind of information. I genuinely think it will help us all. It will basically be a forum and a survey for people to share their experiences and opinions on operations,doctors,consultants and all sorts of medical treatments.
Can anybody tell me if this is legal?
Thanks,
Rob

Indricotherium

cormicar wrote: »

Hi All,

My mother recently had a full knee replacement and what I found strange was the real lack of information on this type of operation. It's almost impossible to find out how successful e.g. knee,hip and ankle surgeries are in Ireland. Wouldn't it be great to be able to lookup a central database of surgeries in Ireland over the last couple of years and see what operations were carried out and to see how people have faired. Obviously the database would not contain any personal info about the patient but would give a great insight to potential pre op patients about peoples symptoms and how successful the operation was. Also it may help to identify who the better surgeons are and what techniques worked best.
As I have a bit of time on my hands over the next few weeks I wanted to setup a website that would gather this kind of information. I genuinely think it will help us all. It will basically be a forum and a survey for people to share their experiences and opinions on operations,doctors,consultants and all sorts of medical treatments.
Can anybody tell me if this is legal?
Thanks,
Rob

Could you not knock down to a library, and have a look at some medical journals that have clinical trials described in them, rather than an internet forum that would be plagued with every my old aunt story going?

cormicar

Indricotherium wrote: »

Could you not knock down to a library, and have a look at some medical journals that have clinical trials described in them, rather than an internet forum that would be plagued with every my old aunt story going?

I know there may be issues as with any site, with people giving their opinions of other peoples experiences etc. I really want just direct opinions and direct experience from the actual patient themselves. Any suggestions on how to reduce 3rd hand info would be very grateful.
I can't remember the last time I was in a library (must be at least 7 years ago during college). I suppose the advantage of having the info online is the ease of access to the information for everyone. Some people with debilitating pain in their joints may not be able to get to a library that easily to do research. I believe we can make the Healthcare system better in Ireland with just a little input from everybody. Thanks
Also, any suggestions on a web site name would be great.

Procrastastudy

There's such a thing as giving people too much information too easily without a professional consultation.

I think what you are suggesting is almost like the league tables system in the UK. I read fairly recently that Ireland is actually ahead of the UK in regards to health systems. (Both ironic given it was a league table and slightly unbelievable at the same time!)

I do agree there are some massive short comings, especially surrounding IVF clinics, but I'm not sure exactly what you'd hope to achieve beyond a support group. A noble goal in itself to be fair.

Having some experience through the tales of woe from my wife who carried out research into blood transfusions here, do not expect any help from the health services! People think lawyers are odd - try dealing with a few senior doctors.

BornToKill

cormicar wrote: »

I know there may be issues as with any site, with people giving their opinions of other peoples experiences etc. ... Also, any suggestions on a web site name would be great.

RateMySurgeon.com?

mattjack

cormicar wrote: »

Hi All,

My mother recently had a full knee replacement and what I found strange was the real lack of information on this type of operation. It's almost impossible to find out how successful e.g. knee,hip and ankle surgeries are in Ireland. Wouldn't it be great to be able to lookup a central database of surgeries in Ireland over the last couple of years and see what operations were carried out and to see how people have faired. Obviously the database would not contain any personal info about the patient but would give a great insight to potential pre op patients about peoples symptoms and how successful the operation was. Also it may help to identify who the better surgeons are and what techniques worked best.
As I have a bit of time on my hands over the next few weeks I wanted to setup a website that would gather this kind of information. I genuinely think it will help us all. It will basically be a forum and a survey for people to share their experiences and opinions on operations,doctors,consultants and all sorts of medical treatments.
Can anybody tell me if this is legal?
Thanks,
Rob

Arthritis Ireland will be able to answer a lot of your questions,though I'm not so sure about asking questions about individual surgeons,consultants etc.
Like yourself,I'm speaking from experience about surgery.