How to Make a Disclosure and Apology

Question 1 

As an injured person, apologies will make a lot of difference in my choice to sue my doctor. I consider apology as one of the ways of showing respect and empathy to the victim. It is also one of the ways of honestly acknowledging the mistakes done by the perpetrator. Therefore, I will reconsider my decision to sue my doctor if he or she apologizes after making mistakes. At the same time, no human being is perfect and mistakes are bound to happen. Nevertheless, I will not take my doctor’s apologies serious if the mistake is the act of negligence that can easily be avoided. 

Question 2 

As a health workers involved in injuries to the patient, I would not feel comfortable admitting my mistakes and apologize. I will be cautious on how the patient will perceive my mistakes. Specifically, I will be disturbed by the fact that my patient will feel that am incompetent in my work. At the same time, I may not feel comfortable admitting my mistakes due to the consequences that might follow, especially when the organization is more likely to take action against me ( Detsky, Baerlocher & Wu, 2013) . Generally, I will not be comfortable admitting my mistakes and apologizing, even though it may be necessary. 

Question 3 

I think apology programs are likely to expand, especially due to its positive effects of reducing the lawsuit costs. Many health providers are likely to follow the same trend with the aim of lowering the lawsuits against them when they make mistakes. In addition, due to the need to enhance customer satisfaction, it is likely to be adopted by many hospitals across the globe ( Detsky, Baerlocher & Wu, 2013) . A significant number of hospitals will adopt any program that can reduce cost and increase customer satisfaction. 

Reference 

Detsky, A. S., Baerlocher, M. O., & Wu, A. W. (2013). Admitting mistakes: ethics says yes, instinct says no. Canadian Medical Association Journal , 185 (5), 448-448.