In Colorado, the state’s largest malpractice insurer, COPIC, has enrolled 1,800 physicians since 2000 in a disclosure program called the “3Rs” for “Recognize, Respond, and Resolve” . Under the program, physicians immediately express remorse, apologize to patients, and describe in detail what went wrong in the wake of an error.
Traditionally, lawyers have advised doctors never to "say sorry". Medical errors were covered up, leaving patients in the dark, because of the fear of litigation. ( For most lawyers , "Just Say No !" is the commonest defense they propose !)
If doctors re-learn the 3 Rs, this will be much healthier - for them, and for their patients ! ( The lawyers are going to cry all the way to the poorhouse if this works out well !) Honesty is always the best policy, and telling the patients the truth is much better for everyone involved.
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