Regretfully, things in the practice of dentistry do not always go to plan. What is expected of us when things go wrong, and is it ever wrong to apologise? Anita Kemp, Case Manager at Dental Protection, looks at the facts.
Open disclosure requires honesty, openness and timeliness when divulging an adverse event or outcome to our patient. When adverse events occur, and open disclosure and a subsequent apology is required, we can often feel extremely vulnerable. The progression of a procedure that did not go as planned or as expected can leave both our patients and ourselves feeling anxious, upset and at times angry. In these circumstances our inherent fight or flight responses can be activated and, in some instances, what was meant as an apology can come across as defensive and evasive in nature. During these times of distress and uncertainty, an understanding of the integral elements and the purpose of an apology can be invaluable.
Why should we apologise when something goes wrong?
Notwithstanding the requirements of our professional obligations, Leape (2012) identifies that patients expect an apology from their doctors after being harmed by an error. He continues that apologies convey a sense of respect, mutual suffering and responsibility1.
Mutual suffering in itself is an integral element of an apology worth consideration. As practitioners we never suffer the outcome, pain or anxiety of treatment experienced by our patients. Nevertheless, as Robbennolt (2009) suggests, if we are able to demonstrate an understanding and empathy towards our patient, a reduction in anger and blame may be observed – leading to a positive increase in trust2.
Trust is an important aspect of any therapeutic relationship. When a practitioner works with honesty, openness and the ability to acknowledge an adverse event or problem, patients are more likely to trust in the practitioner’s ability to either remediate the problem themselves or provide a suitable pathway for specialist referral that will ensure the most favourable outcome for them. If trust is lost and the patient goes elsewhere, the practitioner may in fact be more vulnerable to complaints or concerns arising from the treatment provided.
Research by psychologist Beverly Engel (2002) suggests that the art of apology is crucial to mental and physical health. Studies have found that the recipient of an apology experiences physiological changes including a decrease in blood pressure, slower heart rate and steadier breathing. These noticeable physical effects allow space for problem solving as opposed to a heightened reaction3.
Similarly, regret, remorse and shame are feelings often felt when we inadvertently hurt another person. In the event of an adverse outcome, all these feelings have the potential to cause negative emotional and physical effects in the treating practitioner. Engel continues that when an apology is given and responsibility for actions are taken, we are able to help rid ourselves of esteem-robbing, self-reproach and guilt.
So if we should apologise – why don’t we?
Innate fight or flight responses, coupled with vulnerability and fear, can all determine our reasoning and rationale; to provide or not provide an apology. Our own pride or self-confidence can also play a part, particularly when our self-image is founded in being a caring and competent practitioner. Fear of loss of patient confidence, ridicule from colleagues and regulatory investigation can undermine our self-esteem and affect our ability to make emotive decisions.
If we do apologise, what should it look like?
Most importantly in these instances, we should ask “what does our apology look and feel like to our patients?” An apology must feel genuine, sincere and heartfelt; it must refer to the specific incident or problem and must acknowledge each patient’s specific circumstance. Apologies should be delivered in the first person by the practitioner responsible in a personalised manner. Use of language is pivotal and the practitioner should aim to soften the apology by using “sorry” rather than the formal “I apologise”.
According to Lazare (2005) the four key components of an effective apology comprise4:
Acknowledgement – acknowledge what has happened
Remorse – offer empathy for the position the patient is now in
Explanation – give a clear and specific explanation of what actually happened
Reparation – anything from remediation by you or by offering further discussions, including referral to an appropriate colleague if necessary.
An apology should include:
• Assurance that the circumstances will be investigated and that the standards of the profession will be maintained
• An explanation of what has occurred. This should be provided to the patient’s level of satisfaction and should include opportunities for the patient to relate their experience and to ask questions. The practitioner should also seek assurance from the patient that they understand and are comfortable with the content of their discussion
• The word “sorry”, which is not an admission of liability.
Furthermore, an apology needs to be personal in nature, not vague or imprecise, but clear and specific regarding the events that have occurred. The use of layman’s language as opposed to legal or technical jargon should be used in both the description of the event and the likely outcome. The research broadly indicates patients want a meaningful apology along with an honest and open explanation. When this is not forthcoming, a patient is more likely to feel aggrieved and take the matter further.
In our experience at Dental Protection, practitioners are often needlessly concerned that an apology can be viewed as an indication or admission of fault or liability. In the event that an adverse outcome or problem does occur, I implore you, don’t be afraid to offer an apology: fundamentally this is what every patient in this situation wants to hear. Remember there is considerable evidence that supports the protective benefits of an apology and, when you do apologise, don’t be afraid to begin with three very powerful words, “I am sorry”.
1Leape L, “Apology for Errors”, Frontiers of Health Service Management, 28 (3) pp. 3-12 (2012)
2Robbennolt JK, “Apologies and Medical Error”, Clinical Orthopaedics Related Research, Feb 467 (2) pp.376-82 (2009)
3Engel B, “The Power of the Apology”, Psychology Today. July 2002
4A Lazare (2005) Quoted in Riskwise 25, Jan 2012, p20