Even when practicing in a state in which there is not an apology law, however, and a clinician does apologize and that apology comes up in the legal setting of a true medical error, we would need to ask, is it really that bad that an apology was made on behalf of the medical error that was committed? Isn’t that compassion? Isn’t that empathy? Isn’t that showing that I as the physician care for the patient and the medical team cares for the patient?
Finally, abide by the disclosure policy and standards of your organization.
OBG Management: What does the “M” in TEAM stand for?
Dr. Weiss: Management. There may be times when a medical error occurs that the patient or the patient’s family are angry and upset to the point that they no longer want you to continue to care for them. Be empathetic and helpful by offering to assist them in finding someone else to continue to provide their care. Also let them know that you are more than happy to continue to care for them and assist them in their healing and restoration to health in any way that you can: “Of course the ongoing management of your care is your decision, and we will do whatever your wishes are.”
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