Doctor, Just Say "I'm Sorry"

“Never ruin an apology with an excuse.”—Kimberly Johnson

Sorry Works!, the nation’s leading advocacy organization for disclosure and apology after medical errors, has teamed up with a top healthcare litigation and risk consulting firm to release a new book, Sorry Works! Disclosure, Apology and Relationships Prevent Medical Malpractice Claims.

The authors, who call the book the “how-to manual” on disclosure and apology, are Doug Wojcieszak, Sorry Works! Founder; James W. Saxton, Co-Chair of Stevens & Lee’s Health Care Litigation Group; and Stevens & Lee healthcare attorney Maggie M. Finkelstein.

“The book is a one-stop resource for physicians, hospitals, and insurers who want to learn how to practice disclosure and apology,” said Saxton. “You’ll learn how to say ‘I’m sorry’ the right way and at the right time.” At 103 pages it’s concise—so even the busiest healthcare professional can read it a single sitting.

It provides a complete overview of disclosure, including why and how disclosure works; how to develop a successful disclosure program; how to apologize to patients and families; and how to handle doubts and questions about disclosure and apology.

Saxton and Finkelstein have wide experience defending hospitals and doctors in the courtroom, says Wojcieszak, and they “provide the nuts and bolts of how to practice disclosure the right way in a credible, logical fashion.”

The book, which retails for $21.95, is offered by calling 618-559-8168 or through their web site.

Founded in 2005, the Sorry Works! Coalition teaches healthcare professionals and insurance companies that disclosure and apology is the best way to address adverse medical events and avoid malpractice litigation.