The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has developed a communication program to help healthcare providers respond to adverse events, according to a recent industry and market news alert by Anesthesia Business Consultants CEO and President Tony Mira.
Here's what you need to know:
1. The program, called Communication and Optimal Resolution, lays out a framework for open communication between healthcare providers and patients, in an effort to ensure quality, safety and risk management.
2. The program relies on five elements: offer "emotional first aid" to patients, families and caregivers; maintain communication with these individuals as new information arises; learn from new information to prevent similar events; provide timely resolution; and explain how future care will be more safe.
3. In the past, healthcare providers have often sued legal counsel to resolve issues; however, by ensuring transparency and open communication with patients, this program can help organizations rebuild trust with patients after adverse events.