 Audio recording of this session (35 mins) >>
[The recording begins around 10 mins after the session started.]
Powerpoint >>
The opportunity for a mediation process to manage adverse events in health care is now achievable with the Australian Health Ministers endorsing the Open Disclosure Standard for national implementation. In essence, it requires health providers to inform consumers in a timely and appropriate manner following an adverse event in the delivery of their health care. How people communicate in health care matters, and will influence whether adverse events are resolved inside or outside the court.
Adverse events in health care have traditionally been managed in an adversarial framework. An adversarial ‘deny and defend’ environment around a medical error can destroy the relationship between health practitioner and patient. This is problematic when patients must return to the industry for subsequent care (Runciman et al. 2007, p.104).
Without trust in the health care system, many people are likely to avoid early medical intervention into their illnesses, prolonging the length and severity of their illnesses when they finally seek treatment. A part of maximising the potential of all Australians is to ensure that the health care industry promotes a culture of honesty, integrity and trust to facilitate the delivery of services that protect the health of the population.
This presentation will discuss the opportunities and benefits of mediation in health care for both consumers and providers. However with any change there are always a number of challenges to be confronted and addressed which are complicated when you are working across the industries of health, law and insurance.
Podcast: Listen to Anne talk about her session (6 mins) >> |
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Anne Donaldson
 Anne Donaldson was appointed as the Director of the Office of Health Review in January 2006, an office committed to working with consumers and Providers from within the Health and disability sector using a conciliation process for resolving complaints.
Anne’s work experience comprises more than 30 years experience in the health care industry, including positions in Management, policy development, community engagement and as a social worker in the WA public hospital system.
Prior to taking up her role at the Office of Health Review, Anne was the Director of the South West Area Health Service’s Communities First program. She was the General Manager of the Bunbury Health service from 1994 to 2001, after working as a metropolitan and country health services consultant for the WA Health Department.
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