To err is human and we all make mistakes, but this simple truth is not a satisfactory excuse for many of our affected patients, especially in developed countries. Despite the fact that many physicians will at sometime in their career encounter medical-malpractice litigation, we are ill prepared. It is, in fact, surprising that such an important topic is not included in the curriculum of all medical schools, and it is ignored to a large degree in post-doctoral training of residents and fellows. Physicians consider malpractice claims not only as a nuisance in their busy practice, but as unwanted events that result in anxiety, emotional pain, and possible loss of income and unnecessary expense.
Safe practices for better healthcare (2007), Washington DC: National Quality Forum (accessed June 01, 2007; at http://www.qualityforum.org/projects/completed/safe_practices/.).
Safer practice notice: being open when patients are harmed, (2005), London: National Patient Safety Agency (accessed June 1, 2007, at http://www.npsa.nhs.uk/site/mediadocuments/1314-SaferPracticeNotice.pdf.).
Australian Council for Safety and Quality in Healthcare (2003), Open disclosure standard: a national standard for open communication in public and private hospitals following an adverse event in healthcare- 2003 update (at http://www.safetyandquality.org/internet/safety/publishing.nsf./content/F87404B9B00D8E6CCA257160000F049/$File/OpenDisclosure-web.pdf.