Adverse Events Part 1

In November 1999, the Institute of Medicine’s original report, To Err is Human: Building a Safer Healthsystem estimated up to 98,000 patients die annually as a result of preventable medical errors.^[1] Today, physicians remain focused on the ways the report can impact their provision of care in office and hospital settings. 

Adverse events may occur suddenly or be discovered months later. They may range from acute to progressively worse as time passes. Given that no two events are the same, each patient and/or family requires an individualized approach.

This seminar addresses the context in which adverse events take place and reminds physicians to consider the patient’s perspective. It also reinforces the importance of conversations with the patient and/or family—including documentation. You will hear information on providing empathy versus an apology, as well as risk management considerations for the disclosure process. For purposes of this program, the terms “adverse events” and “unanticipated outcomes” will be used synonymously.

[1] Institute of Medicine. To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health Care System. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 1999.