Apologizing Still Works, But Ensure It Is Done Correctly

Saying “I’m sorry” after an adverse event has become more accepted in recent years to express the clinician or administrator’s sincere regret at the unfortunate outcome, which was discouraged for many years for fear it would be seen as a legal admission of guilt. On the contrary, it has been shown to diffuse the emotions of a patient or family member and diminish the likelihood of litigation. But exactly how those words of regret are spoken can be important.