Bennathan Patient Safety Lecture

The Bennathan Lecture, the first of a reoccurring annual lecture within the Washington, D.C. area, offers an opportunity for MedStar Health leadership, caregivers, board and community members, and other key stakeholders, to learn about the latest developments in patient safety and the role that each of us has to play in reducing and communicating about adverse outcomes for patients and their families.

Named in honor of the late Professor Esra Bennathan, Emeritus Professor of Political Economy, University of Bristol, UK, the Bennathan Lecture will continue a tradition of learning, teaching, and sharing, all of which were woven into the fabric of his life. Deeply respected in his community as an economist, Esra was a mentor to many of his colleagues and to other young people starting their professional careers.

Preventable harm is the third leading cause of death in the United States. When patients are wrongfully hurt, medical liability does not often serve them well and fails to compensate those who suffer preventable harm. In addition, the medical community reports the current medical liability system does little to promote patient safety and reduce risk to future patients.

Communication and Optimal Resolution (CANDOR) is a process that promotes open and honest communication, apology, and timely resolution for both patients and caregivers when preventable harm occurs. The program at this lecture will highlight progress made in implementing the CANDOR model at hospitals across the US, as well as progress on breaking down existing barriers that keep it from being a standard practice.

The Bennathan Patient Safety Lecture will take place on Monday, 20th May at the Embassy of France in the US, in Washington, D.C.