Disclosing errors reduces malpractice exposure
Disclosing errors reduces malpractice exposure
While mistakes are an inevitable part of practicing medicine, attitudes toward mistakes can mean the difference between an enhanced patient relationship and a nasty lawsuit. Patients want to know about even minor errors, a recent survey shows. Knowing how to deal with such incidents should affect your internal risk management and patient advocacy programs.
Communicating honestly and effectively with patients enhances patient relationships and can reduce litigation. Amy B. Witman, MD at Loma Linda (CA) University Medical Center surveyed patients with the purpose of examining their attitudes toward errors (Arch Int Med 1996; 156:2,565-2,569). The survey asked 149 people for their reaction to a health care provider disclosing or not disclosing minor, moderate, and severe mistakes.
They found that 98% of patients wanted some acknowledgement of even minor errors. For moderate to significant errors, patients said they’d be less likely to take action against the physician or even request a referral to another physician if communication is straightforward than if information is kept from them.
The message: Be as honest and plain as possible when communicating with patients. The outcome is better for both patient and provider.
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