The sharp end is very local - and there's a tradition of secrecy in medicine. We have to heal the people who are hurt. Two people are hurt - the injured person and the person who caused the injury. I urge health care professionals to break down barriers and build communication skills, including the ability to apologize. Some doctors are unwilling or unable to say how sorry they are.
Apology begins the process of re-affiliation with the patient.
Adapted from the Summary of the Conference Proceedings . For additional patient safety information, visit the NPSF web site .