Goldman's Premise Correct Summary

1. Is Dr. Goldman's premise correct?.

In general I would agree that Dr. Goldman’s premise is correct. There is an expectation in the United States today that’s physicians should not make any errors. Part of this is an expectation of the medical community itself. Physicians are trained to perform at the highest level of competence and there is ridicule and disdain placed on individuals when they make errors. According to Villa, (2006) One study identified the "culture of medicine" as a major factor in shaping attitudes toward disclosure. We train physician not to discuss medical errors. In our society, however, there is also an increasing pressure placed externally on the health Profession as a results of malpractice and litigation. The
By discussing errors openly, solutions can be discussed and there can be improved training and education. For this reason, the peer review system is very important. The system allows for open discussion and review of cases which can be not only used for quality monitoring, but should serve as a source of education to all providers. Because the peer review process is confidential and protected information it doesn’t not feed into the malpractice arena and allows for physicians to have open and honest dialogue with regard to patient care and outcomes. Laing (2001) states, “The theory of the privilege rests upon the ideal that full, frank, and candid assessments of colleagues' activities can be made best through confidential proceedings.” Many training programs use a morbidity and mortality format in which difficult cases are reviewed in an anonymous fashion in order to promote education and training. Open discussion outside of these protected areas is likely not to be beneficial until a time at which we change the culture of litigation in our society. There has been some improvements in this area in some states, where apologies which in the past have been considered admissions for guilt are no longer admissible as such. This at least brings us closer to the concept that errors do happen and are not necessarily grounds for
Not only this required by currently legislation under the affordable healthcare act but it is immensely helpful for providing education and training. The cost benefit of a well-functioning quality and peer review program is significant. There is little underlying cost other than the maintaining of the required quality/patient safety officer. The quality review team is made up of physicians in the Hospital employees on a voluntary basis. The cost savings to the hospital are immense by decreasing the potential litigation as result of improving quality of care. Outcomes, length of stay, and quality of care are all improved. It is important that the peer review system be used as an educational tool with a complete feedback loop to providers and thereby improving quality of care rather than exist as merely a punitive or regulatory