Quality & Patient Safety

Apologies in the wake of errors may reduce patient stress, lawsuits

Patient Safety Monitor Alert, Chicago Tribune, August 22, 2007

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Patient Safety Monitor Alert!

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.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Patient Safety Monitor Alert!

    Patient Safety Monitor
  • Patient Safety Monitor

    As part of your Patient Safety Monitor membership, you'll receive Briefings on Patient Safety. In this 12-page monthly...

  • Patient Safety Monitor Alert

    This e-mail newsletter provides healthcare professionals with the latest patient safety news, while offering useful...

  • Patient Safety Quality Monthly

    Ken Rohde, Senior Consultant for The Greeley Company with over 25 years of experience in quality management. His roles in...

  • Occurrence Reporting:

    Take advantage of the information occurrence reports provide and make sustainable enhancements at your facility. Expert...

Most Popular

Related Articles