The Role of Apology Laws in Medical Malpractice

Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law

article

Nina E. Ross¹  William J. Newman² 

[1] Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University;Department of Psychiatry, Saint Louis University School of Medicine

关键词: malpractice;    negligence;    apology;    medical error;    disclosure;   

DOI  :  10.29158/JAAPL.200107-20

学科分类：儿科学

来源: American Academy of Psychiatry The Law

【 摘 要 】

Apologies are an integral part of human communication and can repair damaged relationships. Within the medical system, apologies remain controversial. Physicians often wish to apologize to patients harmed by medical errors, but they may not disclose errors to patients and their families because of the concern that disclosing errors could increase the likelihood of a malpractice claim. Yet physicians who apologize to patients may instead mitigate many of the communication problems known to prompt patients to pursue legal action. This idea has prompted many state governments to pass apology laws, legislation that aims to reduce rates of malpractice by encouraging physicians to apologize. These laws have not yet had their intended effect of reduced malpractice rates, likely because most apology laws protect expressions of regret but do not protect error disclosure. Apology laws therefore do not facilitate the type of communication that would improve physician transparency and overall patient satisfaction.

【 授权许可】

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