Apologies in the wake of errors may reduce patient stress, lawsuits
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
August 22, 2007
A Chicago Tribune article explores the increasing use of apology by physicians. More hospitals find that genuine apologies and offers of compensation help to reduce the number of malpractice cases that go to court.
Several states are exploring legislation to shield a physisian's apology from legal discovery. In Michigan and Illinois, hospitals participating in pilot programs have found that patients are less liekly to sue if they recieve an apology, eplanation, and offer for compensation.
Not everyone is convinced that the reductions in lawsuits will hold, however. A Harvard University study last year predicted the increase in physicians apologies will ultimately lead to more malpractice claims.
