A New Kind of Bedside Manner: The Rise of Apology Policies
A New Kind of Bedside Manner: The Rise of Apology Policies is jointly sponsored by the Massachusetts Medical Society and Lawyers Weekly, Inc., publishers of Massachusetts Medical Law Report. Experience from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, University of Michigan Health System and other similar models have shown that when apology is used in the case of an adverse outcome or medical error, communication between the physician and the patient and their families is open and honest. Patients are not "kept in the dark" due to the advice of legal council and they have a clear understanding of the medical facts of the situation and the details of why things happened the way they did in their case. Patients also want to know and are told what is being done to prevent this from happening to other patients. Studies not only show that this may result in a reduction malpractice claims and settlements, but more importantly, the relationship between the patient and physician can be preserved. The following CME activity includes the Massachusetts Medical Law Report article, "A New Kind of Bedside Manner: The Rise of Apology Policies" followed by The Physician's Corner with risk management strategies.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the key components of a successful apology program.
- Explain the impact on the physician and patient when apology is not used
- State the reasons why apology may reduce litigation or awards
- Understand why communication after an adverse event or outcome is important to the patient and their families.
Course Fees
MMS Member Physicians: $12
Nonmember Physicians: $22
Allied Health Professionals: $9.60
Format: Text
CME Credit: 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, risk management study
