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Doctors Admitting Mistakes Takes the Sting Away

By Gerry Oginski

Doctors Start to Say ?I?m Sorry? Long Before ?See You in Court?

The New York Times reports today that doctors who apologize to injured patients are much more likely to see less lawsuits. This concept is not new, and the VA hospitals have been doing this for years now. A number of other hospitals throughout the country have also instituted this policy, with incredible results.

NY Times Reporter Kevin Sack addresses the typical thinking that doctors had in the past:
"For decades, malpractice lawyers and insurers have counseled doctors and hospitals to ?deny and defend.? Many still warn clients that any admission of fault, or even expression of regret, is likely to invite litigation and imperil careers."

The article is keen to note that saying "I'm sorry" not only makes the doctor human, but takes the pain and anger away from the injured victim and family members. All too often, arrogant doctors, with little time to spend with family members are perceived as villians because they failed to acknowledge their injury-producing errors.

Full post as published by New York Medical Malpractice Blog on May 18, 2008 (boomark / email).