The need to combat clinical fraud

This article explores the possibility that clinical fraud is being perpetrated on a daily basis at the interface between patient, nurse and others. This type of fraud might take place when nurses carry out, or fail to carry out, a clinical activity, in the way that they report the care delivered, or in the way that they conduct their relationships with colleagues. If any deception occurs before, during or following such activities then the nurse is guilty of fraud. If such fraudulent practice exists it could have negative consequences for patients and healthcare professionals. The authors examine the possible reasons for fraudulent practice.