Saying sorry

March 17, 2008

In the book “Sorry Works!: Disclosure, Apology, and Relationships Prevent Medical Malpractice Claims,” three experts examine the concept of apology and address how it can be applied by physicians and hospitals – and understood by insurers, lawyers and patients.

Doug Wojcieszak, James W. Saxton, Esq. and Maggie M. Finkelstein, Esq. address the fact that to many, an apology is an admission of guilt or acceptance of responsibility for an adverse outcome, but stress that “it does make these very difficult situations a little better almost 100 percent of the time.”

The book, published by AuthorHouse at the end of 2007, concentrates on the philosophy that an apology is a concept, not an action, and that it takes a specific process to execute one correctly.

The book promises to help readers understand that process, focusing on a range of issues, from implementing an apology program to apologizing to patients and families to learning the benefits of disclosure.