The Importance of Humility in Providing Better Patient Care
A sincere apology from a medical professional can make a world of difference in the patient-provider relationship, going beyond just a bandaid for mistakes made.
In today’s world, marked by division and mistrust, admitting a mistake remains a powerful tool for healing, especially in the field of medicine.
Dr. Kate McLean experienced her own fallibility during a routine surgery, where a complication almost turned tragic due to an overlooked enlarged liver.
Despite the quick response from the medical team that prevented a tragedy, Dr. McLean chose transparency and apologized to her patient for the error.
She emphasized the importance of building trust through open acknowledgment of mistakes, which can ultimately enhance patient care outcomes. Contrary to fears of legal action, the patient responded with forgiveness, appreciating Dr. McLean’s honesty.
Apologies in medicine are rare due to the culture of perfectionism and the pressure to avoid mistakes. This perfectionism causes psychological stress for doctors and inhibits open discussions about errors.
Dr. Zed Zha noted that while perfection is the goal in medicine, it’s unattainable due to the inherent human fallibility. The fear of litigation also contributes to the reluctance to admit mistakes.
Medical training often prioritizes infallibility, hindering discussions about errors. Studies show that only 43 percent of medical trainees would admit to a mistake, leading to fewer and less candid apologies as training progresses.
Despite the high-stakes nature of medicine, where errors are inevitable, the culture of perfectionism imposes a significant burden on healthcare providers. Recognizing and openly discussing mistakes can help humanize the healthcare system.
The power of apologies in healthcare is significant, as it can reduce the emotional and psychological impact on both patients and providers. A sincere apology can act to restore trust and heal ruptures in the provider-patient relationship.
Apology laws empower healthcare professionals to apologize for errors without fear of litigation. Hospitals are adopting more transparent communication policies and programs to ensure patients receive apologies and explanations after adverse events.
The culture of medicine needs to change, starting with prioritizing communication skills early in medical education. Training in error disclosure can significantly increase the likelihood of open discussions about mistakes.
An effective apology in medicine involves acknowledging the mistake, explaining what happened, showing remorse, and making amends. Dr. Frankel emphasizes the importance of humility over perfection for better patient care outcomes.
