Hospitals rethinking approach to medical errors
Instead of the “deny-and-defend” strategy typically employed when a medical procedure goes wrong, more hospitals and physicians are getting used to the idea of a more open, honest discussion about adverse events.
Zhai Yun Tan of Kaiser Health News writes about the experience of Maryland hospital chain MedStar Health in training physicians to talk about adverse events with patients and family members. A team of doctors completed a four-hour training course followed by booster courses every six to eight months. Part of the training included simulated patient scenarios with professional actors.
“It’s scary to be in that room even though I knew it was a simulation,” said MedStar intensive care physician Sharon O’Brien, MD.
For more on MedStar’s program, and how similar training is being implemented at medical schools, click on the link below:
John joined TriMed in 2016, focusing on healthcare policy and regulation. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, he worked at FM News Chicago and Rivet News Radio, and worked on the state government and politics beat for the Illinois Radio Network. Outside of work, you may find him adding to his never-ending graphic novel collection.