ABSTRACT
Like many other processes, an investigation has a beginning, middle, and an end. In the context of a medical investigation, the following is a simple illustration of the basic process:
• Beginning • Initial complaint review
• Middle • Conduct all necessary interviews • Collect all necessary evidence
• End • Organize the case file chronologically • Prepare the report of investigation
As a novice investigator in 1981, I was handed my first case. I had had little to no training in the investigative process. I read the complaint and then asked myself, “now what?” A sound approach useful not only for the novice investigator, but also for the seasoned investigator as well, is the investigative method. The investigative method is akin to the scientific method and provides an organized framework in which to structure the investigation.2 The scientific method consists of five parts:
1. State the problem 2. Form the hypothesis (a supposition or proposed explanation with
limited information) 3. Observe and experiment 4. Interpret the data 5. Draw conclusions2
Let’s examine a case involving allegations of excessive and inappropriate prescribing of controlled substances and apply the scientific method.
