Creating outcomes-based systems for quality and malpractice reform: methodology of accelerated compensation events (ACEs).

Today's unduly erratic and expensive payment system for medical malpractice undercuts its own goal of compensating victims. Its lack of scientific legitimacy hampers its other main goal of deterring injury. Reform is needed, but most "tort reform" fails to make fundamental changes and does not promote quality of care. Alternative systems using "Accelerated Compensation Events" (ACEs) offer a better way to replace or improve judicial resolution of liability claims as well as independent, quality-oriented reform. ACEs do not cover all injuries, just classes of adverse outcomes that are normally avoidable, given good care. This article explains the scientific methodology of ACE development and the benefits of ACE-based reforms.