Local Filmmaker Explores Medical Error Transparency in New Film; Screening Wednesday

Medical errors cause the deaths of thousands of people in the United States every year.

Though some hospitals and medical institutions have enacted policies that compel doctors to admit mistakes when they happen, it’s still not uncommon for malpractice claims to be vigorously defended against — even the the evidence is clear cut.

Local filmmaker Lawrence Kraman’s new film, Full Disclosure: The Search for Medical Error Transparency explores the issue and includes a local story. Michael Woods, the brother of actor James Woods, died at Kent County Hospital due to a medical mistake. CEO Sandy Colletta decided to admit the mistake and immediately settle the lawsuit.

Also featured in the film are locals, including Dr. Gary Cummins, a resident of the Point section of Newport, the Vicar of St. John’s Church and doctors and experts from around the country who describe the severe cost of medical errors -- both emotional and financial.

But change may be afoot. Consider what has been happening at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. There, the chief of staff began in 1987 to admit errors up front and negotiate with families for fair payments, avoiding costly legal battles and the associated pain. Over the next 16 years, the average payout per case is just $16,000.

The lesson? Grieving families are more interested in the hospital admitting fault and acknowledging the family’s suffering.

Kraman is hosting a special screening of the film Wednesday at St. John the Evangelist Church in Newport. It starts at 8 p.m. and will be shown at the Guild Hall.

A suggested donation of $5 would be appreciated.

St. John The Evangelist Church is located at 61 Poplar St.

Check out a trailer of the film below. For more information, call 401-848-2561.