Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is one of the nation’s preeminent academic medical centers. BIDMC is committed to excellence in clinical care, biomedical research and education, and to the health and wellness of patients and communities.

The Communication, Apology, and Resolution (CARe) approach to resolving adverse medical events is a relatively new concept in Massachusetts, but it is gaining ground. This approach has been implemented successfully in six Massachusetts hospitals, including BIDMC. While many Best Practices, algorithms, and policies regarding the CARe approach have been developed, little is known about how patients are best represented in this process as it is different from traditional medical malpractice proceedings. There are wide-ranging ideas around what the ideal representation model for patients looks like. HNMCP students will examine this question by interviewing a variety of stakeholders and assessing various options for representation.

Deliverables envisioned:

• Final report which includes the results of a medical-legal stakeholder analysis and an assessment of  the various options for representation in the CARe model, including a recommendation for the ideal model of representation;
• Client presentation to BIDMC and MACRMI (Massachusetts Alliance for Communication and Resolution following Medical Injury).