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Report from OPSC Offers Insight into First Two Years of Oregon’s Program to Create Opportunities for Open Conversation after Patient Harm

Early Discussion and Resolution Annual Report: July 2014-June 2016” Released Today
November 2, 2016

Portland, OR — In a report released today, the Oregon Patient Safety Commission (OPSC) discusses the first two years of Oregon’s innovative Early Discussion and Resolution (EDR) program. EDR creates opportunities for healthcare providers and patients to engage in open conversation when, despite everyone’s best intentions, a patient has been seriously injured or died. The conversation is legally protected, can be initiated by either patient or provider, and participation is voluntary for everyone. “Early Discussion and Resolution is the best way to handle situations in which patients have suffered harm from their medical care,” stated Bob Dannenhoffer, MD, co-chair of the Task Force on Resolution of Adverse Healthcare Incidents—the body that oversees EDR. “This transparent and patient-centered approach gives both providers and patients a way to move forward.”

In the report, OPSC shares lessons learned, offers recommendations for improvement, and summarizes ongoing work to support open conversations between Oregonians and their healthcare providers following unexpected outcomes. During the first two years of the program, 67 patients and healthcare providers requested a conversation through EDR, with year two showing a 31% increase in requests over year one. Key lessons gleaned from program implementation include the following:

Ÿ  Organizations that promptly communicate with patients and families following adverse events may reach resolution more easily

Ÿ  EDR creates opportunities for conversation between patients and their healthcare providers even when the formal EDR process is not used

Ÿ  Patients may need assistance to effectively advocate for themselves during EDR conversations

“We find that when patients and providers talk openly after harm occurs, there is a possibility for healing and resolution for everyone involved. This also creates the possibility for improved care for future patients” said Melissa Parkerton, Interim Executive Director of the Oregon Patient Safety Commission. “This annual report highlights our commitment to this important work and the long-term potential EDR has to improve patient safety in Oregon.”

About The Oregon Patient Safety Commission
The Oregon Patient Safety Commission is a semi-independent state agency charged by the Oregon Legislature with reducing the risk of serious adverse events occurring in Oregon’s healthcare system and encouraging a culture of patient safety. We offer a variety of patient safety programs including the Patient Safety Reporting Program, Early Discussion and Resolution, and various quality improvement initiatives. Visit oregonpatientsafety.org for more information.

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