The Power of an Apology in Medical Errors Essay

The Power of an Apology in Medical Errors - Essay Example Unfortunately, when doctors make mistakes during treatment, the consequences can be severe. Sometimes, they can even result in serious injury or even death. In recent years, health care providers have become cautious about offering expressions of empathy or sympathy to patients whose disease did not have a successful outcome. These unsuccessful outcomes may be the result of known complications, clear errors, or other circumstances. The health care providers' caution in this area of communication is the result of the increasing number of lawsuits filed against them by their patients. Physicians understandably have a difficult time determining appropriate communication techniques to convey concern for the patient without inadvertently implying their own fault or guilt. It is not unusual for a physician's compassionate and empathetic actions to be misunderstood and later described to a jury as an apology for his error. Unquestionably, there are situations in which clear errors have been committed. Although rare, those events should certainly be followed with a sincere apology and appropriate assistance to the patient. In situations where the physician is not at fault for the undesired outcome, or when responsibility is difficult to determine prior to an investigation, it is still important for physicians to have the skills necessary to express empathy and concern without suggesting to the patient that they bear legal responsibility. Recent studies have suggested that failing to apologize for clear errors may prompt more claims than previously suspected. Research suggests that apology plays an important role in professional relationships. If done properly, an apology may not even be an issue in a subsequently filed lawsuit. Additionally, it is just common sense that demonstrating empathy and concern for patients during their most difficult times is the right thing to do. If lawsuits are subsequentl y filed in such situations, physicians will be seen in a much more favorable light if they have attempted to show appropriate concern and interest in their patients' well being. Many physicians are wondering about the purpose of expressing their remorse to a patient over a bad outcome or untoward incident. Indeed, there are large moral as well as ethical components to this issue. Doctors are also human, and every human has the need to convince themselves that at the end of the day, they did what was morally right. The human conscience may not give the physician in question a peace of mind if they fail to heed the inner voice that wants them to express their feelings of concern. This may apply not only to cases of malpractice where the patient is severely injured or even death occurred, but also in cases where there are not visible consequences. When an apology is truly warranted, accepting and expressing responsibility by the physicians for his or her mistakes is the first step to forgiving themselves and is the most likely way to maintain a good relationship with your patient. Demonstrating true sadness of the physician to the patient for his pain will help him and will strengthen the bond between physician and the patient. It is important for patients to feel that doctors care about them. Patients who have good relationships with their