Communicating With Patients About Medical Errors

Abstract

Empirical research on disclosure of medical errors to patients and families has been limited, and studies have focused primarily on the decision stage of disclosure. Fewer have considered the disclosure process, the consequences of disclosure, or the relationship between the two. Additional research is needed to understand how disclosure decisions are made, to provide guidance to physicians on the process, and to help all involved anticipate the consequences of disclosure.

The Many Faces of Error Disclosure: A Common Set of Elements and a Definition

“…Because this behavior occurs infrequently [10][11][12][13][14][23][24][25] and because we wanted to stimulate discussion and hear a range of experiences, focus groups 26 were used to explore this topic.…”

Patients’ knowledge and perceived reactions to medical errors in a tertiary health facility in Nigeria

“…To fail to learn is inexcusable" 12 , when caregivers commit errors, they do not like to reveal or disclose them or if they do, they provide incomplete information 2 . Caregivers have an ethical obligation to tell patients about significant errors they commit especially when such disclosure will benefit the patients 24 . Besides, it is a sign of respect for the patient's autonomy as dictated by ethical principles of justice.…”

“…Besides, it is a sign of respect for the patient's autonomy as dictated by ethical principles of justice. The emphasis on disclosure clearly points to patients' expectation that errors be openly disclosed [24][25][26] . In a study that used a hypothetical scenario to describe a medical mishap, 71.4% of real patients were of the opinion that the care received by the hypothetical patient was bad or very bad, 60.2% considered that the patient was treated in unsafe conditions, and 25.5% would not recommend the hospital based on the scenario 27 .…”

Disclosing Medical Mistakes: A Communication Management Plan for Physicians

“…However, nearly all the evidence suggests that effective disclosure to patients provides the most robust legal protection in the setting of a medical mistake. 2,25 Despite this, some research shows that health care clinicians continue to fear that an apology could lead to legal liability and subsequent damage to their reputations. 23 Opportunities to learn effective means of disclosing medical mistakes to patients have the potential to establish a greater sense of confidence for physicians involved in an incident.…”

“…The way that patients feel about their physicians likely has an impact on how patients interpret the mistake message. 2,25 Consequently, there are message strategies to avoid in constructing mistake disclosures (Table 3). Avoiding the use of these strategies can help overcome roadblocks and will more likely preserve the physician-patient relationship.…”