Schwartz Center Connections

The Center’s newest program launched in November 2010 at two sites, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital. CRICO the medical malpractice insurer of the Harvard-affiliated teaching hospitals, engaged the Schwartz Center to create this pilot program. Inspired by Schwartz Center Rounds, Schwartz Connections seeks to foster compassionate care, enhance communication and mitigate malpractice risk.

At each site, multidisciplinary caregivers from Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology participated in a series of facilitated sessions, focusing on real-life communication mistakes described in closed malpractice cases. Facilitators helped participants reflect on the impact of medical errors, identify communication lapses and learn strategies to prevent or manage them.

A comprehensive evaluation of the program is underway. If the program is deemed a success, the Schwartz Center and CRICO may replicate it nationally.

For more information, contact:
Marjorie Stanzler Senior Director of Programs
Beth Lown Medical Director