I think that the culture of “Reputational Immunity” is very very deep and I am not sure why it is that way. Our society has extreme, totally irrational fear of pissing off Doctors and other providers. I think we need to start a national discussion in as many forums as possible about what possible good can this policy of not naming names do? It has not resulted in high quality care, it has not reduced harm, it has not improved the skill level of Doctors. The only thing that it has done is perpetuate the two great myths that Healthcare is safe and that all mortals with the title MD are equally great Healers. It’s true effect is to create widespread lifelong bitterness among surviving victims and families.
There is no other industry or profession on Earth that does this, even the church with the best intentions of all names those church workers who harm others. Accountability = Names. Healthcare must take responsibility for the tragic outcomes as well as the good. It may take 10 years of discussions to create enough ground swell to change the laws, but we have to start to get there.
Kerry O’Connell, a patient safety advocate associated with Consumer Union’s Safe Patient Project. (Used with permission)
I particularly appreciate Kerry’s concise formulation of the problem of secrecy in health care today and his understanding that secrecy brings further harm to patients — and it also engenders bitterness and lasting anger.
Speaking of secrecy: We had an experience in this town which is right to the point.
A referral to a certain specialist. We looked up the specialist and discovered a series of problems, including some legal action and very troubling reviews.
In this case, the secret was out.
We printed everything out and took it to our referral health care provider, who gave it a glance and said, nonetheless, this is the guy to see.
We said, No.
We were labeled as uncooperative and non-compliant for saying No and various unpleasant encounters with the referring medical practice ensued.
And then we read about the guy in the local papers.
We were right, but where did it get us?
Trips to Rochester (75 miles each way) to see a specialist who was excellent.
