Communication and Resolution Program Reduces Malpractice Lawsuits

In Massachusetts, a plan meant to create resolution and communication between patients and health care providers has resulted in fewer malpractice lawsuits. Under this strategy, the patient is required to notify the hospital or other healthcare provider of the intent to sue, but then has to wait 6 months before actually filing suit. This waiting period allows providers time to investigate and offer a response to the individual.

Many doctors and patients are finding this program a lot more acceptable than a lawsuit. Doctors frequently feel terrible about any harm done and having a chance to offer a heartfelt apology and clarify what happened is far more appealing than winning a lawsuit. Patients are often happier to get an apology than have to undergo a lawsuit, and often hospitals who realize they have made a blunder provide the patient a financial settlement. The primary motivation for medical malpractice suits is often not cash, but desiring to know why and what happened. Honestly discussing what happened and receiving an apology is often what's really desired. Another favorable side effect of this system is it allows a hospital to openly inquire what occurred, admit that a mistake was made, and also make changes to prevent similar errors later on, whereas, during a suit hospitals are unable to do this.

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