Emotional response to malpractice suits: should residents be prepared?

Previous studies have indicated that physicians often react to malpractice litigation with potentially severe emotional distress. The authors surveyed the family practice residencies in Illinois to determine what these programs are doing to prepare residents for possible malpractice suits. Results indicate that in Illinois the majority of programs do not address the issue. In addition to the survey, a proposal is made regarding what residencies can do to institute a program lessening the impact of future litigation upon the emotional well-being of their residents.