To Achieve Zero Harm, We Must Address Financial Harm.

Abstract

Financial harm to patients from preventable medical errors is a widespread problem that can have long-term consequences financially as well as on well-being and experience. Organizations need to develop better measurement strategies for this harm, aligned with their patient safety efforts, and implement robust mitigation strategies, such as including financial harm in root cause analysis processes and implementing Communication and Resolution Programs. In addition, the full health care system, including health systems and payers, must come together to create best practices and policies to ensure that patients are not harmed financially when experiencing medical error.