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Sorry Makes It Better
tooth decay, gingival recession, and nicotine addiction. Fewer were aware of the systemic illnesses that are linked to ST, including stomach ulcers and cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, delayed wound healing, and sexual impotence. Fewer than 50% of the coaches believed ST use was a problem among their athletes. Most (92.3%) felt that their athletes should not use ST because of the negative health effects. Just over half (55.8%) believed they were able to positively influence their athletes’ decisions and to provide assistance in stopping ST use once it had begun (55.8%), even if only in a small way (Table 5). Discussion.—The ST use among baseball coaches was lower than expected and lower than college baseball players’ use. The level of understanding of the negative aspects of STuse was high. In addition, coaches recognize the potential role they could play in an ST prevention effort and are willing to try to minimize the use among their athletes.
Clinical Significance.—Positive role models can be tremendously influential in the lives of high school and college students. These coaches demonstrate an understanding of the problem and a positive attitude toward the idea of keeping their athletes healthy. To support preventive efforts against ST use, coaches should be provided with intervention training or information about how to modify any current intervention techniques as needed.
Eaves T, Schmitz R, Siebel EJ: Prevalence of spit tobacco use and health effects awareness in baseball coaches. J Calif Dent Assoc 37:403-410, 2009 Reprints available from T Eaves, Human Performance and Leisure Studies, North Carolina A&T State Univ, 1201 E Market St, Greensboro, NC 27411
EXTRACTS SORRY MAKES IT BETTER When medical errors occur in the University of Michigan Health System, often the doctor will admit the mistake upfront and a lawyer may offer immediate compensation. Richard Boothman, a malpractice defense lawyer and the chief risk officer for the health system says the approach reflects common decency. It is also a wise business strategy. Malpractice claims against the University of Michigan system have fallen from 121 in 2001 to 61 in 2006, and open claims fell from 262 in 2001 to 83 in 2007. Time to process a claim is just 8 months rather than the previous 20 months. When officials learn of possible medical errors, often from the doctors themselves, they conduct a peer review to see what occurred and what needs to be done to prevent a repeat. Doctors and officials then meet with the patients and their families to explain why the choice was appropriate or to admit mistakes. Apologies and upfront compensation often dispel the anger of patients and families, so there are fewer lawsuits and litigation expenses. Most caregivers want to do this; the health system officials are there to reassure them that it’s all right. ‘‘Saying you’re sorry’’ has its skeptics. Patients’ rights to sue doctors and make records public helps reduce medical mistakes and improve care, according to Matthew Gaier, co-chairman of the medical malpractice committee of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. In addition, doctors must be protected from their own honesty being used against them in court, perhaps through a shield law. [Saying ‘Sorry’ Pays Off for U of Michigan Doctors. Yahoo News, July 20, 2009.]
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Dental Abstracts
Clinical Significance.—Positive role models can be tremendously influential in the lives of high school and college students. These coaches demonstrate an understanding of the problem and a positive attitude toward the idea of keeping their athletes healthy. To support preventive efforts against ST use, coaches should be provided with intervention training or information about how to modify any current intervention techniques as needed.
Eaves T, Schmitz R, Siebel EJ: Prevalence of spit tobacco use and health effects awareness in baseball coaches. J Calif Dent Assoc 37:403-410, 2009 Reprints available from T Eaves, Human Performance and Leisure Studies, North Carolina A&T State Univ, 1201 E Market St, Greensboro, NC 27411
EXTRACTS SORRY MAKES IT BETTER When medical errors occur in the University of Michigan Health System, often the doctor will admit the mistake upfront and a lawyer may offer immediate compensation. Richard Boothman, a malpractice defense lawyer and the chief risk officer for the health system says the approach reflects common decency. It is also a wise business strategy. Malpractice claims against the University of Michigan system have fallen from 121 in 2001 to 61 in 2006, and open claims fell from 262 in 2001 to 83 in 2007. Time to process a claim is just 8 months rather than the previous 20 months. When officials learn of possible medical errors, often from the doctors themselves, they conduct a peer review to see what occurred and what needs to be done to prevent a repeat. Doctors and officials then meet with the patients and their families to explain why the choice was appropriate or to admit mistakes. Apologies and upfront compensation often dispel the anger of patients and families, so there are fewer lawsuits and litigation expenses. Most caregivers want to do this; the health system officials are there to reassure them that it’s all right. ‘‘Saying you’re sorry’’ has its skeptics. Patients’ rights to sue doctors and make records public helps reduce medical mistakes and improve care, according to Matthew Gaier, co-chairman of the medical malpractice committee of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. In addition, doctors must be protected from their own honesty being used against them in court, perhaps through a shield law. [Saying ‘Sorry’ Pays Off for U of Michigan Doctors. Yahoo News, July 20, 2009.]
336
Dental Abstracts