Regence Foundation Provides Grant to Oregon Hospitals To help Improve Disclsure

Joe Rojas-Burke
The Oregonian

Most Oregon hospitals are failing to give every patient harmed by a serious medical error a written notification as required by a statewide patient safety program. The Oregon Patient Safety Commission on Tuesday said it received a $20,000 grant from the Regence Foundation to help hospitals establish more effective disclosure practices. Hospitals last year provided written notification less than half the time, 36 out of 80 cases in which it was required. The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems says written notification isn't always possible or appropriate. But nine hospitals have shown that compliance is possible. They've notified patients of adverse events in writing about every serious harm event reported.

The Patient Safety Commission plans to work with the hospital association and other medical groups to develop technical support to help hospitals overcome the obstacles to written disclosure. Hospital leaders have expressed concern that written notifications could alienate patients. It's possible that hospital leaders are concerned about exposing their institutions to greater legal liability.
To read the full article please visit http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2011/06/most_oregon_hospitals_failing.html