Hospitals find a way to say, 'I'm sorry'

Hospitals are more receptive to the idea now as they come under pressure from accrediting groups, patient safety organizations and lawmakers to be more transparent about errors and analyze them carefully to prevent them from happening again. Evidence has accumulated that the approach can improve patient safety and substantially reduce malpractice costs. At Stanford, for example, from 2009 to 2014, after Pearl was implemented, the frequency of lawsuits was 50% lower, and indemnity costs in paid cases were 40% lower compared with 2003 to 2008. (Last month, Stanford changed the name of the Pearl program, which had been called Process for Early Assessment and Resolution of Loss. [Subscription Required]