emDocs - June 16, 2016 - Authors: Moyes A and Betz A - Edited by: Koyfman A & Bright J
"The Institute of Medicine’s 1999 report “To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System” drew attention to medical errors and the need for improving quality and safety in medicine.1 Since then, a body of literature has emerged suggesting that transparency around adverse events and medical errors benefits both providers and patients. However, the actual rate of disclosing medical errors has lagged behind popular support for the concept.
Summary
Benefits of error disclosure include enhanced patient-provider communication, opportunity for system-wide improvements in quality and safety, and possibly fewer lawsuits. Patients and providers agree that errors resulting in otherwise preventable adverse events should be disclosed; however, actual rates of disclosure remain variable. Approach the disclosure process with a few key steps in mind: 1. Plan for the conversation by assembling the facts and consulting with risk management ahead of time, 2. Set up for optimal communication, and 3. Include each of the core components in the discussion (see above)."