Setting Expectations for Surgery

Hospitals and doctors are providing their patients with interactive educational programs that explain procedures and describe the risks associated with certain procedures (WSJ, 12/14/05, D5). These web and CD-ROM programs, collectively known as Expectation Management and Medical Information (EMMI) programs, are offered by thousands of health care facilities. Primary motivation for these programs is reduction of medical malpractice claims, and insurance companies are offering health care facilities policy discounts for using these programs.