In an effort to improve transparency, reduce medical lawsuits, and increase patient safety, seven Massachusetts hospitals have embarked on a “Disclosure, Apology, and Offer” program. Under the plan, health professionals and institutions will disclose adverse events to patients and if they are at fault, apologize. Patients remain free to sue. A similar program at the University of Michigan Health System cut litigation costs by $2 million each year and reduced liability claims by 40%.
Culture change like this is not simple however and each hospital will have mentors to help physicians in the disclosure process. The Hospitals are subscribing to an approach that recognizes that an apology is therapeutic and healing for both patient and doctor.
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