Physicians are not apologizing

In recent years, many hospitals have adopted communication policies that allow and encourage physicians to apologize to patients when they make a mistake. According to Modern Healthcare, “such initiatives have led to improved transparency and better physician-patient relationships, as well as significant reductions in the frequency of malpractice claims and the amount facilities spend on patient compensation.”

Yet the news source also reports that the apology initiative has not become widespread. Culture and fear of legal action are two reasons that could be to blame. Many physicians have been trained not to speak up when they make a mistake, fearing that anything they say to a patient/family member could be used in a lawsuit. 

“I can talk about the common sense of the approach to a roomful of physicians who are nodding in support. But the minute I walk out of the room, a risk manager or defense lawyer will say, 'That guy is nuts!' It's not an easy change,” said Rick Boothman, chief risk officer for the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, which launched a communication-and-resolution program.

Source: Modern Healthcare